Patient-centred outcome measures in oral surgery: validity and sensitivity

The performances of patient-centred outcome measures after oral surgery were evaluated in a prospective cohort study of 100 patients who had third molar extractions. Participants self-completed a questionnaire incorporating a general health (12-item short form health survey: SF-12(C)) and two specific outcome scales to oral health (oral health impact profile: OHIP-14, and The United Kingdom Oral Health related Quality of Life measure: OHQoL-UK(C)) preoperatively, daily during the immediate postoperative period, and at the review appointment (7-days later). Ninety-seven completed the study. History of 'taking time off' work/study because of pericoronitis during the past year was significantly associated with preoperative OHIP-14 and OHQoL-UK(C) scores. There were significant differences in SF-12, OHIP-14, OHQoL-UK(C) scores during the immediate postoperative period compared with preoperatively, when postoperative symptoms were prevalent. At the review appointment, OHIP-14 and OHQoL-UK(C) scores were associated with clinical findings. The measures were valid and sensate in relation to oral surgery. However, those specific to oral health were more discerning than the general scale. (C) 2003 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.