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Informing patient choice and service planning in surgical voice restoration: valve usage over three years in a UK head and neck cancer unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 December 2021

K McLachlan
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Oncology, St John's Hospital, NHS Lothian, Livingston, Scotland, UK
A Hurren*
Affiliation:
Speech and Language Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, UK
S Owen
Affiliation:
Speech and Language Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
N Miller
Affiliation:
Speech and Language Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Dr A Hurren, Speech and Language Sciences, CL411, Leeds Beckett University, City Campus, Calverley Building, LeedsLS1 3HE, UK E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to determine the number, reasons and costs of surgical voice restoration related tracheoesophageal valve attendances over 36 months at a head and neck oncology unit.

Method

Demographic, medical and valve related details from all patient contacts were recorded, including self-change information, urgent appointment information, modifications required and costs of prostheses.

Results

Over 3 years, 99 patients underwent 970 valve changes. The main reasons for changes were central leakage, prophylactic change and self-change at home. Changes were significantly more frequent in the first 12 months (mean, 42 days) compared with longstanding patients (mean, 109.96). Intervals between changes were unpredictable; no predictive factors reached statistical significance. Mean expenditure on valves was £966.63 per week (including value added tax and in-house customisation).

Conclusion

Valve lifespan is comparable with outcomes in similar units despite more pre-emptive and patient-led changes and more comprehensive data inclusion. Investigation into how patient satisfaction and costs relate to valve selection and units’ service delivery models is needed.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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Footnotes

Kirsty McLachlan takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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