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Evaluation of non-response in quality control of nasal septal surgery

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 October 2016

M T Egeland
Affiliation:
Department of Quality, Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital, Oslo, Norway
M Tarangen
Affiliation:
Department of Quality, Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital, Oslo, Norway
C Gay
Affiliation:
Department of Quality, Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital, Oslo, Norway
L K Døsen
Affiliation:
Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital, Oslo, Norway
R Haye*
Affiliation:
Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital, Oslo, Norway Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Rolf Haye, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Lovisenberg Diakonale Hospital, 0440 Oslo, Norway Fax: 0047 2322 5646 E-mail: rolf.haye@medisin.uio.no

Abstract

Objective:

Questionnaires are often used to assess the results of nasal septoplasty, but response rates vary widely. The possible bias caused by non-responders was evaluated to determine the validity of questionnaire results.

Methods:

Post-operative questionnaires employing visual analogue scales for nasal obstruction were mailed to 182 patients. The 62 non-responders (34.1 per cent) were contacted by telephone, 58 (93.5 per cent) of whom were contactable and responded orally to the questionnaire.

Results:

Non-responders were younger, but no different from responders with regard to gender, smoking habits or allergies. Post-operative visual analogue scale obstruction scores were slightly, but not statistically, higher in non-responders. However, because non-responders’ pre-operative scores were lower, obstruction scores improved less than in responders. The main reason for not responding was forgetfulness. Some would have preferred an electronic version of the questionnaire.

Conclusion:

Although post-operative obstruction scores did not differ between the groups, nasal obstruction scores improved more among responders than non-responders. Thus, low response rates may cause bias.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2016 

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