The Minimal Important Difference of Acoustic Voice Quality Index in the Treatment of Voice Disorders

Abstract

ObjectivesThe acoustic voice quality index (AVQI) is a reliable tool that objectively assesses dysphonia levels using six acoustic parameters. Despite its high criterion‐related concurrent validity, diagnostic accuracy, and minimal detectable change derived from test–retest reliability, the minimal important difference (MID) of the AVQI has not been tested before. This study aimed to estimate the MIDs of AVQI for improvement audibly perceived by clinicians and self‐reported improvement by patients.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on 110 patients who received treatment for voice disorders. Patients completed AVQI and Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10) questionnaires before and after the therapy. The MIDs of the AVQI were estimated using the anchor of either auditory–perceptual judgment of total dysphonia levels by clinicians or the VHI‐10 questionnaire by patients. A distribution‐based approach was also used to complement the results.ResultsFirst, using the auditory–perceptual anchor, a decrease of 0.95 in the AVQI was estimated as the MID for clinicians' perception, as a result of the receiver operating curve. Then, using the patient‐reported anchor, an improvement of 1.36 in the AVQI was estimated as the MID for patients' voice‐related disability. The distribution‐based approach also ensured the anchor‐based results of both the MIDs.ConclusionsThe AVQI is a reliable and valid tool for evaluating voice quality, and a 0.95 decrease in the AVQI represents a meaningful improvement for clinicians' perception, whereas a 1.36 decrease in the AVQI influences patients' self‐reported disability. This study contributes to understanding the minimal change necessary for clinicians to make informed decisions and ensure patient satisfaction.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 2023