Total Glasgow Benefit Inventory Score Research Articles

Quality of Life of Patients With Nasal Obstruction Who Underwent Septoplasty: Assessed With the Glasgow Benefit Inventory.

Septoplasty is considered the definitive treatment for symptomatic patients with deviated nasal septum. Although septoplasty is a commonly successful performed surgery, it has also been found to affect patients' quality of life (QoL). The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) scale is a validated questionnaire used to assess satisfaction after treatment. The present study was conducted with the aim to assess the outcomeof septoplasty using the GBI scale. A retrospective study was conducted among patients with chronic nasal obstruction in Dr. Sulaiman Alhabib Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to assess the outcome of septoplasty using the GBI. All patients who met the eligibility criteria were subjected to a detailed otorhinolaryngology, head and neck examination, includingnasal endoscopy prior to septoplasty, followed by the distribution of a previously validated questionnaire translated into Arabic. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 3.6.3 software. Counts and percentages were used to summarize the distribution of categorical variables. A total of 75 patients were enrolled in the study initially, among which 42 patients met the eligibility criteria; 65% were male and 35% were female. Most respondents reported improvement in the total GBI score (92.5%, n = 40). A similar improvement was observed in the general subscale domain (92.5%, n = 40) as compared to the social support domain (66.7%, n = 28) and physical health domain (66.7%, n = 28), which showed less improvement. We found a positive change in the QoL among the patients after septoplasty using a validated and reliable instrument.

Septal Perforation Repair Quality of Life Outcomes Using the Revised 15-item Glasgow Benefit Inventory.

The 18-item Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) has been widely used to measure patient general health response to otorhinolaryngologic and facial plastic interventions. The GBI was recently reorganized into 15 questions with 5 sub-scale factors (GBI-5F) to improve its utility. Application of the GBI-5F to septal perforation treatments may improve our understanding of quality of life outcomes. The GBI was given to patients seen from August 2018 through October 2021 who were at least 6 months postoperative attempted perforation surgical closure using bilateral nasal mucosal flaps with an interposition graft. Original GBI and GBI-5F scores were computed and subgroup analysis performed in this retrospective medical record review. Of the 98 patients (mean age 45.5 years) who met study criteria, 65 were female. Mean perforation length was 12.9, and height 9.7 mm. The mean postoperative time to GBI completion was 12.7 months. Highest GBI-5F scores were noted in the Quality of Life factor, followed by Self-confidence and Social Involvement. Females reported significantly higher scores than men. Total GBI scores were similar to those recorded for other rhinologic procedures. The GBI-5F provides measurable insight into patient quality of life benefit following septal perforation repair.

UPPER EYELID BLEPHAROPLASTY RESULTS AND EVALUATION OF PATIENT SATISFACTION

<p>The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of upper eyelid blepharoplasty on surgical results, recovery time, complications, scar development and patient satisfaction in cases that undergo upper eyelid blepharoplasty. 184 eyes of 92 patients who had undergone upper eyelid blepharoplasty were evaluated in the present study. The patients were evaluated in terms of surgical results, complications, recovery time and scar development. In the postoperative second month, the patients were given Surgical Satisfaction Questionnaire and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) to determine the changes in the life quality of patients and surgical benefit and to determine the characteristics of this change. The mean age was found as 59,2 ±6,8 years and 81.5% of the patients were female. Skin and fat excision were performed in all patients. None of the patients underwent muscle excision. 86.9% of the patients stated that they were very satisfied with the surgery, 6.5% stated that they were satisfied, 5.5% stated that they were moderately satisfied and 1.1% stated that they were not satisfied. According to GBI results, an increase was found in both total GBI score and in sub-scores other than physical score. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is a common surgery for functional reasons and aesthetic concerns. Accurate evaluation and surgery increase patients’ quality of life and patient satisfaction.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0567/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Quality of life outcomes after transnasal endoscopic pituitary surgery using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory

Purpose This study assesses postoperative quality-of-life outcomes via the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) in patients undergoing transnasal endoscopic pituitary surgery for pituitary adenoma. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study in a UK tertiary referral centre. 145 patients who had undergone transnasal endoscopic pituitary surgery for pituitary adenoma over a 6-year period at one institution completed the GBI with at least 3 months’ follow up. Patients with prior radiotherapy were excluded. The GBI is a patient-reported outcome measure that assesses post-intervention outcomes in three domains: ‘general’ functioning, ‘social support’ and ‘physical’ functioning. Pre- and post-operative visual loss scores were additionally assessed via a 1–5 Likert scale. GBI scores were assessed alongside these visual loss scores, clinical and surgical parameters and demographics. Results Mean age was 59.5 years (range 20–87 years) and mean follow up was 36 months. A total of 46 of 145 (31.7%) patients had secreting tumours. The most common primary symptom was visual loss. Mean total score for all patients was positive (+8.4); with ‘general’ domain score the most positive (+10.5). All patient groups had overall positive, ‘general’ and ‘social support’ domain scores. Patients with Cushing’s disease reported significantly higher mean total scores (+29.6) than all other groups. Acromegaly (+7.9) and non-functioning adenoma (NFA) groups (+5.2) reported lower mean total scores. ‘Physical’ domain mean scores were negative for acromegaly and NFA groups. There was statistical significance between a pre- to post-operative improvement in visual score and mean total GBI score (p = 0.02) and mean ‘general’ domain GBI score (p = 0.02). Conclusions These findings can aid preoperative counselling of patients undergoing this surgery. Those with NFA and no anticipated improvement to visual loss symptoms may be advised of possible worsened physical outcomes and of the option to delay the surgery until symptoms are present.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Middle Ear and Active Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Hearing Implants.

Objective: This study used questionnaires to examine the patient-reported satisfaction with 2 hearing implant devices to determine the level of overall satisfaction with the devices, which, if any, factors predicted good or poor perceived outcomes, or whether there were any specific aspects of the devices where dissatisfaction was apparent.Methods: A post-treatment questionnaire survey of 39 adult patients who had received a Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) or Bonebridge (BB) hearing implant, with at least 3 months of follow-up, was conducted using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Hearing Device Satisfaction Scale (HDSS). Satisfaction scores were compared to pre- and post-operative audiologic outcomes. The correlation between GBI and HDSS scores was also examined.Results: A total of 28 of the 39 patients (72%) responded: 13 with a BB and 15 with a VSB at a mean of 13 months after implantation. The overall mean total GBI score was 30, with no significant differences across the groups. The responders generally reported that they were “satisfied” across most domains of the HDSS. In the study, 25 of the 28 responders were largely satisfied with their devices but 3 respondents were not. Two were known non-users, while one used the device but did not gain the benefit expected. It is instructive to note that all of these dissatisfied recipients were close to the manufacturer recommended limits for implantation of their respective devices at the time of surgery.

Effects of SoundBite Bone Conduction Hearing Aids on Speech Recognition and Quality of Life in Patients with Single-Sided Deafness.

Objectives To analyze the clinical application of SoundBite bone conduction hearing aids by assessing the improvement of speech recognition and the scores of the benefit scale questionnaire for patients with single-sided deafness (SSD). Design Nine patients aged 24 to 61 years with SSD for more than 3 months were enrolled in this study. The patients could understand and repeat Mandarin and have good compliance with the study. The measurements were evaluated before and after one month of wearing hearing aids using the pure tone audiometry threshold, speech recognition in quiet and in noise, and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) benefit scale score. Results Pure tone audiometry results showed that the average hearing threshold of good ears and bad ears was 11.4 ± 2.6 dB HL and 89.9 ± 6.4 dB HL, respectively. The average hearing threshold of bad ears after wearing hearing aids was 23.5 ± 9.0 dB HL. Statistical analysis showed that the hearing improvement for the bad ears after wearing hearing aids was significant. The speech audiometry results showed that the disyllable word recognition score of the bad ears in quiet increased significantly at 50 dB SPL by 40 ± 12 percentage points and at 65 dB SPL by 71 ± 15 percentage points. As for the speech recognition in noise, when the signal sound came from the bad ear side and the noise from the good ear side (SSSDNAH), the speech recognition score (SRS) significantly increased by 17 ± 6 and 9 ± 4 at a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of -2 dB and -5 dB, respectively, after wearing the hearing aids. When the signal sound came from the front of the patient and the noise from the bad ear side (S0NSSD), the SRS scores were reduced by 5 ± 5 and 7 ± 5 percentage points at SNR equal to -2 dB and -5 dB, which was significantly different from that before wearing the hearing aids. When the signal and noise both came from the front of the patients (S0N0), the SRS was not significantly increased by 5 ± 4 percentage points at SNR equal to -2 dB compared to before wearing hearing aids. However, the SRS was significantly increased by 5 ± 2 percentage points at SNR equal to -5 dB compared to before wearing hearing aids. The average total GBI score was 31 ± 12 for the nine patients, with an average score of 32 ± 10, 31 ± 8, and 30 ± 7 for general conditions, social support, and physical health, respectively. The results of the questionnaires showed that patients' quality of life was improved after wearing SoundBite bone conduction hearing aids. Conclusions SoundBite bone conduction hearing aids are a good choice for patients with SSD, as it could improve the speech recognition ability of patients both in a quiet and noisy environment and improves the quality of life after wearing hearing aids.

Outcomes after Application of Active Bone Conducting Implants

Background: A bone conducting implant is a treatment option for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss (CHL, MHL) who do not tolerate regular hearing aids, and for individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD). An active bone conducting implant (ABCI) was introduced in 2012 with indication in CHL, MHL, and SSD, and it is still the only ABCI available. With complete implantation of the active transducer and consequent intact skin, a decrease in infections, skin overgrowth, and implant losses, all common disadvantages with earlier passive bone conducting implants, could be expected. Our Ear, Nose and Throat Department, a secondary care center for otosurgery that covers a population of approximately 365,000 inhabitants, was approved to implant ABCIs in 2012. Objectives: Our aim was to conduct an evaluation of audiological and subjective outcomes after ABCIs. Method: A cohort study with retrospective and prospective data collection was performed.The first 20 consecutive patients operated with an ABCI were asked for informed consent. The main outcome measures werepure tone and speech audiometry and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). Results: Seventeen patients accepted to participate and 15 were able to complete all parts. Six patients had CHL or MHL. In this group the pure tone audiometry tests are comparable with an average functional hearing gain of 29.8 dB HL. With bilateral hearing, the mean Word Recognition Score (WRS) in noise was 35.7% unaided and 62.7% aided. Ten patients had the indication SSD. With the hearing ear blocked, the pure tone average was >101 dB HL, compared to 29.3 dB HL in sound field aided. With bilateral hearing, the mean WRS in noise was 59.7% unaided and 72.8% aided. The mean of the total GBI score was 42.1 in the group with CHL or MHL and 20.6 in the group with SSD. Conclusions: The patients benefit from their implants in terms of quality of life, and there is a substantial hearing gain from the implant for patients with conductive or MHL. Patients with SSD benefit less from the implant than other diagnoses but the positive outcomes are comparable to other options for this group.

Assessment of patient-reported outcome and quality of life improvement following surgery for epiphora.

PurposeTo assess and compare the subjective improvement in symptoms and quality of life in adult patients who underwent commonly performed oculoplastic surgical interventions to treat epiphora.Materials and methodsA prospective study was undertaken involving all adult patients undergoing dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), lid tightening (lateral tarsal strip or lateral wedge resection), and punctoplasty surgery at our institution. We assessed severity of epiphora preoperatively using the Munk score. At 3 months postoperatively, all patients were sent postal questionnaires comprising of Munk score, 'social impact score' from validated Lac-Q questionnaire ranging from 0 (no impact) to 5 (maximal negative impact) and Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) score, ranging from -100 (maximal detriment) to +100 (maximal benefit).ResultsA total of 134 questionnaires were sent with an overall response rate of 74.6%. For the purpose of data analysis, patients were divided into four groups: DCR, lid tightening, punctoplasty, and combined group (lid tightening plus punctoplasty). There was statistically significant improvement in subjective epiphora postoperatively, as assessed by Munk score (P<0.001) in all groups. The total GBI scores were +42.67 (95% CI: 33.42-51.91) for DCR, +19.65 (95% CI: 10.33-28.97) for lid tightening, +16.06 (95% CI: 2.65-29.48) for punctoplasty, and +26.53 (95% CI: 13.15-39.90) for the combined group, demonstrating a positive change in health status for all groups. There was negative correlation between total GBI and post-operative Munk scores (r=-0.58, P<0.001), and positive correlation between Lac-Q and Munk scores (r=0.65, P<0.001).ConclusionPatients derived significant improvement in symptoms and health-related quality of life benefit following all surgical interventions for epiphora.

Which ear should we choose for cochlear implantation in the elderly: The poorer or the better? Audiometric outcomes, quality of sound, and quality-of-life results

Conclusions: Cochlear implantation in the poorer ear of an elderly patient does not predict poorer post-operative audiological, quality-of-life (QoL), and quality of sound results. Objectives: To determine whether choosing the ‘better’ or the ‘poorer’ ear for cochlear implantation impacts performance outcome in an elderly population. Methods: Forty-two out of 73 elderly (≥ 60 years) cochlear implant users with some residual hearing in at least one ear were selected. Three criteria were used to group the patients as ‘better’ or ‘poorer’ ear implanted; (C1) based on previous use of hearing aid, (C2) pre-operative PTA, and (C3) pre-operative speech discrimination. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI) were used to measure QoL and quality of sound, respectively. Results: The mean post-operative PTA was 38.7 ± 7.2 dBHL. In quiet, the mean disyllabic SDS at 65dBSPL was 75.4 ± 18.5, whereas the discrimination of sentences was 95.0% ± 6.9. The mean total GBI score was 30.9 ± 21.8, 92.9% of patients reporting a positive score. The mean HISQUI score was 111.3 ± 36.0, which corresponds to ‘moderate’ sound quality. No significant differences were found between both groups in terms of audiological outcomes, HISQUI scores or GBI scores when considering each of the three criteria.

Change in quality of life of patients undergoing silicone stent intubation for nasolacrimal duct stenosis combined with dry eye syndrome

AimsTo investigate the effect of silicone stent intubation (SI) on the quality of life of patients diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct stenosis and dry eye syndrome.MethodsThis study is a prospective, interventional...

Long term patient-reported benefit from ptosis surgery.

To assess the long term impact of ptosis surgery on health-related quality-of-life using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) patient-reported outcome measure. A retrospective case note review was carried out on all patients who had undergone ptosis surgery (6 November 2008 to 5 December 2010) by one surgeon at Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Patient demographics, surgical technique, and complications were recorded. The GBI questionnaire data was obtained by telephone interview. A total of 62 ptosis operations (33 right, 29 left, of which 18 were bilateral) on 44 patients; 20 male, 24 female were included. Median age 77 years (range: 17-95 years). One wound dehiscence occurred, but no redo ptosis procedures were required. GBI data was obtained on 32 patients (45 ptosis procedures) at a mean follow-up period of 42.8 months postoperatively (range 31-67 months). The mean total GBI score for ptosis surgery was +21.36 (range 0-58.33; 95% confidence interval: 17.28-25.43, P<0.05). Patients derived a highly significant benefit to their health-related quality-of-life from ptosis surgery measured by the GBI that was maintained for up to 5 years.

OC-068 The Impact Of Endoscopic Therapy On Patient-perceived Outcome And Quality Of Life In Sphincter Of Oddi Dysfunction

IntroductionBiliary Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is a benign but often debilitating condition. Significant improvement in pain following endoscopic sphincterotomy or sphincteroplasty (ES) in patients with Type 1 SOD, is...

Cochlear Implantation in Late-Implanted Prelingually Deafened Adults

With expanding inclusion criteria for cochlear implantation, the number of prelingually deafened persons who are implanted as adults increases. Compared with postlingually deafened adults, this group shows limited improvement in speech recognition. In this study, the changes in health-related quality of life in late-implanted prelingually deafened adults are evaluated and related to speech recognition. Quality of life was measured before implantation and 1 year after implantation in a group of 28 prelingually deafened adults, who had residual hearing and who used primarily oral communication. Patients completed 3 questionnaires (Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire, Glasgow Benefit Inventory, and Health Utility Index 3). Postoperative scores were compared with preoperative scores. Additionally, phoneme recognition scores were obtained preimplantation and 1 year postimplantation. Quality of life improved after implantation: scores on the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire improved significantly in all subdomains (basic speech perception, advanced speech perception, speech production, self-esteem, activity, and social interaction), the total Glasgow Benefit Inventory score improved significantly, and the Health Utility Index 3 showed a significant improvement in the utility score and in the subdomains "hearing" and "emotion." Additionally, a significant improvement in speech recognition scores was found. No significant correlations were found between gain in quality of life and speech perception scores. The results suggest that quality of life and speech recognition in prelingually deafened adults significantly improved as a result of cochlear implantation. Lack of correlation between quality of life and speech recognition suggests that in evaluating performance after implantation in prelingually deafened adults, measures of both speech recognition and quality of life should be used.

Partial auricular reconstruction with porous polyethylene frameworks and superficial temporoparietal fascia flap

Untreated acquired auricular damage can be a psychological burden, especially for younger patients. The significance of auricular reconstruction in patients with microtia in terms of quality of life has already been demonstrated. In these patients the use of porous polyethylene combined with a temporoparietal fascia flap has proven to be a suitable method for achieving good cosmetic results. Here, we describe how to use porous polyethylene combined with an endoscopically harvested temporoparietal fascia flap and autologous skin grafts for the reconstruction of acquired partial auricle defects and present outcomes and patient benefit. Ten consecutive patients were asked to answer validated questionnaires [modified Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI)] determining the effects of partial ear reconstruction on their health-related quality of life. These patients were seen regularly in our outpatient clinic for documentation and postoperative counseling. All patients returned a valid questionnaire; 80% were satisfied with the esthetic result. In retrospect, all patients would again decide to undergo surgery. The mean total GBI score was 27.8 (median 29.2, p < 0.05) reflecting an improvement of the health-related quality of life due to the operation. Odd feeling, numbness and the formation of scar tissue were the main complaints. Partial auricular reconstruction using porous polyethylene combined with an endoscopically harvested temporoparietal fascia flap and autologous skin grafts yields good esthetic results and can significantly increase patient's health-related quality of life.

Surgical Rehabilitation of Paralytic Lagophthalmus by Platinum Chain Lid Loading

To evaluate patient benefit and health-related quality of life after lid loading with platinum chains in adult patients with facial palsy. Retrospective data collection. Germany's largest university clinic for otorhinolaryngology, head and neck surgery. Thirty-five patients received validated questionnaires determining the effects of the operation on the patients' health-related quality of life (Glasgow Benefit Inventory). Scores can range from -100 (maximal adverse effect), through 0 (no effect), to 100 (maximal positive effect). Furthermore, satisfaction, complaints, and complications regarding the platinum chain implant were inquired. Twenty-two patients (63 %) returned a valid questionnaire. The mean follow-up time was 31.5 months. A complete coverage of the cornea was achieved in 95% of the patients after the first operation and in the remaining patients after a revision with implantation of a heavier weight. Complete symmetry to the nonaffected eye was perceived by 64%. Recurrent conjunctivitis was complained preoperatively by 18% and postoperatively only by a single patient. In 2 patients, a mild pseudoptosis was found postoperatively, and a single patient complained about blurred vision. The median total Glasgow Benefit Inventory score was 27.8 (p < 0.001). The health-related quality of life was raised in 91% of the patients; 87% were fully satisfied with the functional result, and 91% with the aesthetical result. 100% would again decide in favor of platinum chain lid loading. Platinum chain lid loading in facial palsy patients can significantly increase patients' health-related quality of life and leads to a high rate of patient satisfaction.

Patient-reported benefit from oculoplastic surgery

It is vital that surgeons undertaking oculoplastic procedures are able to show that the surgery they perform is of benefit to their patients. Not only is this fundamental to patient-centred medicine but it is also important in demonstrating cost effectiveness. There are several ways in which benefit can be measured, including clinical scales, functional ability scales, and global quality-of-life scales. The Glasgow benefit inventory (GBI) is an example of a patient-reported, questionnaire-based, post-interventional quality-of-life scale that can be used to compare a range of different treatments for a variety of conditions. A cross-sectional study was undertaken using the GBI to score patient benefit from four commonly performed oculoplastic procedures. It was completed for 66 entropion repairs, 50 ptosis repairs, 41 ectropion repairs, and 41 external dacryocystorhinostomies (DCR). The GBI generates a scale from -100 (maximal detriment) through zero (no change) to +100 (maximal benefit). The total GBI scores of patients undergoing surgery for entropion, ptosis, ectropion, and external DCR were: +25.25 (95% CI 20.00-30.50, P<0.001), +24.89 (95% CI 20.04-29.73, P<0.001), +17.68 (95% CI 9.46-25.91, P<0.001), and +32.25 (95% CI 21.47-43.03, P<0.001), respectively, demonstrating a statistically significant benefit from all procedures. Patients derived significant quality-of-life benefits from the four most commonly performed oculoplastic procedures.

Impact of Endoscopic Stapling of Zenker's Diverticulum on Patient Health Status as Assessed by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory

The aim of this study was to measure the effect of endoscopic stapling of Zenker's diverticulum on the health status of patients. We used the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) tool to ascertain patients' perceived experience. The study demonstrated a positive health impact following endoscopic stapling of the Zenker's diverticulum. The mean total GBI score was +18.9 (95% confidence interval, +/- 11.2). The impact of endoscopic stapling was positive for all three subsets of the GBI. The GBI scores were comparable to those obtained after other common otorhinolaryngological procedures such as tonsillectomy, rhinoplasty, and middle ear surgery. These data should improve our ability to counsel patients regarding important therapeutic decisions and expectations of surgical outcome.

Patient benefit from treatment with botulinum neurotoxin A for functional indications in otorhinolaryngology

The objective of the study was to evaluate patient benefit and health-related quality of life after use of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) A for various otorhinolaryngological, functional (non-cosmetic) indications. The design consisted of a survey study of a patient cohort (n = 40) treated with BoNT A for functional indications. Patients were asked to answer the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), a retrospective questionnaire well validated for measuring the effect of otorhinolaryngological interventions on the health-related quality of life. GBI scores can range from -100 (maximal adverse effect), through 0 (no effect), to 100 (maximal positive effect). A total of 29 patients (72.5%) returned a valid questionnaire. Mean total GBI scores for the particular indications were 1.2 (sialorrhea, n = 7), 22.6 (gustatory sweating, n = 8), 20.6 (palatal tremor, n = 5), 15.0 (postlaryngectomy voice disorders due to pharyngoesophageal spasm, n = 5), 38.9 (adductor spasmodic dysphonia, n = 2) and 27.8 (oromandibular dystonia, n = 2), showing a mean overall positive effect of BoNT A treatment on the health-related quality of life, respectively. A varying percentage of patients reported an increase in their health-related quality of life, indicated by positive total GBI scores: sialorrhea 28.6%, gustatory sweating 87.5%, palatal tremor 60%, postlaryngectomy voice disorders 60%, spasmodic dysphonia 100% and oromandibular dystonia 100%. Use of BoNT A can be considered an effective therapeutic option for all the indications investigated. However, the possibility of raising patients' health-related quality of life with this kind of therapy varies significantly for different indications. Further studies are needed to analyze the patients who will benefit most from a treatment with BoNT A.

Patient quality of life with bone-anchored hearing aid: 10-year experience in Glasgow, Scotland

This study aimed to ascertain the usefulness of the bone-anchored hearing aid and its impact on the quality of life of patients fitted in Glasgow between 1996 and 2006. The Entific Medical Systems questionnaire and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory were posted to patients in order to assess their satisfaction and quality of life changes. Sixty adult patients were identified, with a questionnaire response rate of 63 per cent. Thirty-two respondents (85 per cent) reported using their bone-anchored hearing aid for more than eight hours per day. Twenty-nine respondents (75 per cent) found their bone-anchored hearing aid to be generally better than their previous, conventional aid. Twenty-seven respondents (71 per cent) reported that their bone-anchored hearing aid improved their quality of life. The median total Glasgow Benefit Inventory score was +33.3. Bone-anchored hearing aid usage rates and satisfaction levels were high amongst patients in Glasgow. Glasgow Benefit Inventory indices were comparable to published findings from other centres. Despite this, bone-anchored hearing aid funding is still not universally available within the National Health Service in Scotland.

Factors affecting quality-of-life impact of adult tonsillectomy

To assess the quality of life of adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis after tonsillectomy, and to determine predictive factors for patient satisfaction. In a prospective cohort study, a Glasgow benefit inventory questionnaire was posted to 70 adult patients six months after tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis. Data were obtained on patient characteristics, risk factors, tonsillitis history, and clinical and operative findings. The patients were also assessed using self-completed diary data collection regarding acute symptoms (i.e. fever, throat pain, cough and rhinitis), tonsillitis episodes and visits to a doctor, either three to six months before tonsillectomy or six months after tonsillectomy. Predictive factors were sought for inclusion in the worst 30th percentile of patients (i.e. Glasgow benefit inventory score under 18), regarding post-operative change in quality of life. Sixty-two patients (40 females, 22 males; age range 15-46 years) returned the questionnaire (response rate 89 per cent). The mean total Glasgow benefit inventory score after tonsillectomy was +26 (standard deviation 14). The mean scores for Glasgow benefit inventory subscales were: general health +25 (standard deviation 18), social functioning +5 (standard deviation 14) and physical functioning +55 (standard deviation 23). The only factors associated with low patient satisfaction were a small number of tonsillitis episodes (diary-based data) and days with fever before tonsillectomy. Adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis seemed to be generally pleased with their tonsillectomy. The more symptoms they had prior to surgery, the greater was their improvement in quality of life. No other patient- or disease-related factors were associated with patient satisfaction.