Comparison of Corresponding Scores From the Cleft Hearing Appearance and Speech Questionnaire (CHASQ) and CLEFT-Q in Swedish Patients With Cleft Lip and/or Palate

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to compare corresponding scores between 2 existing cleft-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)-Cleft Hearing Appearance and Speech Questionnaire (CHASQ) and CLEFT-Q. The second aim of the study was to investigate patient opinion on the 2 PROMs. Design: Cross-sectional questionnaire study. Setting: Participants were recruited from a University Hospital. They answered CHASQ and CLEFT-Q either in the hospital or at home. Participants: Thirty-three participants with cleft lip and/or palate, aged 10 to 19 years. Main Outcome Measure: CHASQ and CLEFT-Q. Results: The CHASQ scores and the corresponding CLEFT-Q scores on appearance correlated significantly. Corresponding scores regarding speech did not correlate significantly. A majority, 15 (58%) participants, answered that they liked CLEFT-Q more than CHASQ, 18 participants (69%) thought CHASQ was easier to complete, and 19 (76%) thought CLEFT-Q would better inform health care professionals. Conclusion: Both instruments showed strengths and limitations. Clinicians will have to consider each instrument's respective qualities when choosing to implement either PROM.

Automated summary

The primary aim of the study was to compare the scores of two existing cleft-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) - CHASQ and CLEFT-Q, and to investigate patient opinions on these measures. The results showed a significant correlation between CHASQ and CLEFT-Q scores in appearance but not in speech. The majority of participants preferred CLEFT-Q, found CHASQ easier to complete, and believed that CLEFT-Q would better inform healthcare professionals.