title: A prospective, randomized comparative study of patient perceptions and preferences of two types of indwelling voice prostheses.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Technical and device life issues are frequently the focus of post-laryngectomy rehabilitation studies examining indwelling voice prostheses. Patient perceptions and preferences are considered less often.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine patient perceptions of two indwelling voice prostheses across parameters relating to device use and maintenance and to determine what factors contribute to patient preferences.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a randomized, cross-over study, 31 laryngectomy patients completed a 3-week trial of both the new indwelling Provox Vega and a comparator device, the Blom-Singer Classic Indwelling. Patient perceptions of the insertion process, cleaning and care, and voicing were explored after each trial. At the end, overall preference and factors influencing device preference were examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the conclusion of the crossover trial, a significantly higher proportion of patients felt voice effort, overall voicing, bloating, and ease and effectiveness of cleaning were superior for the Provox Vega. No preference was noted for insertion processes. Overall device preference was influenced by improved voicing followed by cleaning and care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients do not perceive all indwelling devices as equal and should have the opportunity to trial different devices to find the best device for their needs.
authors.affiliation: Speech Pathology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD, Queensland, Australia. Kelli.Hancock@health.qld.gov.au
authors.forename: Kelli
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hancock
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.forename: Nadine
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lawson
authors.forename: Corina J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: van As-Brooks
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007831:Larynx, Artificial; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057240:Patient Preference; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013072:Speech, Esophageal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires