Minimal important difference in Voice Handicap Index-10

Abstract

IMPORTANCE: The minimal important difference (MID) on patient-reported outcome measures can indicate how much of a change on that scale is meaningful. OBJECTIVE: To use an anchor-based approach to estimate MID in the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) total score. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In this cohort study, a volunteer sample of adult patients visiting the voice clinic at the University of Minnesota from April 7, 2013, through July 3, 2016, completed the VHI-10 (range, 0-40, with higher scores indicating greater voice-related handicap) at baseline and 2 weeks later in conjunction with a global rating of change. An anchor-based approach was used to identify an MID. The association between the global change score and change in VHI-10 score was analyzed using Pearson rank correlation. A distribution-based method was used to corroborate the findings. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: Global rating of change on the VHI-10. RESULTS: