title: Application of the Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test (T-14) for tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The T-14 questionnaire is a validated patient reported outcome measure (PROM) used to assess the value of paediatric tonsillectomy from the patient's perspective. Tonsillectomy is a procedure under threat. As such, this study aimed to provide further evidence supporting the role of tonsillectomy in the management of recurrent tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnoea.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective uncontrolled observational study was undertaken examining 54 paediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy at our institution. Parents of children having surgery were invited to complete a T-14 questionnaire preoperatively as well as at three and six months postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The questionnaire was completed for 52 of the 54 patients preoperatively as well as at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (96% response rate). The mean difference between the preoperative and six-month T-14 score was 31.8 (p<0.0001). T-14 scores at three months were also significantly improved compared with those taken preoperatively (mean difference: 29.9, p<0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first study in the literature to assess T-14 questionnaires at three and six months following paediatric tonsillectomy, providing evidence of the early benefit on PROMs. Tonsillectomy is the most common surgical procedure performed in the UK, and it is regarded highly by patients and otolaryngologists alike. This study provides significant evidence that tonsillectomy improves PROMs, thereby demonstrating its ongoing clinical value as a funded National Health Service procedure.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Konieczny
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Biggs
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Caldera
mesh_terms: D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000523:psychology*; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000523:psychology*; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures
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