Learning Objectives: To ascertain the impact of having a mastoid cavity requiring regular aural care in a nurse led clinic on quality of life. This study higlights the need for using PROM in assessing QOL in this population in order to inform decision making when offering revision surgery.
Introduction: Patients with mastoid cavities dependent on aural care experience a significant disruption of their life. We aimed to assess patient reported health and quality of life (QOL) following surgery for Chronic Otitis Media (COM) using a disease specific patient related outcome measure questionnaire along with a generic QOL instrument.
Methods: Patients post surgical treatment of chronic otitis media for mucosal disease or cholesteatoma were recruited from nurse led clinics. All patients had mastoid cavities and no procedure to reduce or obliterate the cavity was undertaken at the time of primary or revision surgery. COMQ12 (chronic ear disease disease specific QOL) and Short Form 36 (SF36) questionnaires were adminstered.
Results: COMQ12 mean score was 14, median 13 (LQ6, UQ21), and range 2–31.SF36 scores were calculated for 8 domains, scored out of 100. Physical Functioning mean = 71 (median = 90, LQ = 35, UQ = 100); Physical role limitation mean = 63 (median = 100, LQ = 25, UQ = 100); Emotional role limitation mean = 79 (median = 100, LQ = 67, UQ = 100); Energy mean = 57 (median = 55, LQ = 50, UQ = 70); Emotional wellbeing mean = 75 (median = 80, LQ = 68, UQ = 92); Social function mean = 80 (median 100, LQ = 63, UQ = 100); Pain mean = 74 (median = 90, LQ = 33, UQ = 100); General health mean = 51 (median = 62.5, LQ = 33, UQ = 62.5).
Conclusions: On COMQ12 the most troublesome ear specific symptoms were difficulty in hearing in background noise and the TV, discharge and tinnitus. The frequency of symptoms impacted mainly on time of work and need for medication. On SF36 energy showed least variation, with most patients affected to some degree. Patients generally had good emotional wellbeing, social function, and had little pain. Physical functioning and role limitation scored high, with more variability.
