RESUMEN
Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a heterogeneous disorder with a wide range of validated subjective and objective assessment tools to assess disease severity. However, a comprehensive and easy-to-use tool that integrates these measures for determining disease severity and response to treatment is still obscure. The objective of this study was to develop a standardized assessment tool that facilitates diagnosis, uniform patient monitoring, and comparison of treatment outcomes between different centers both in routine clinical practice and in research. Methods: To develop this tool, published literature on assessment tools was searched on various databases. A panel of 12 steering committee members conducted an advisory board meeting to review the findings. Specific outcome measures to be included in a comprehensive assessment tool and follow-up sheet were then collated following consensus approval from the panel. The tool was further validated for content and revised with expert recommendations to arrive at the finalized Nasal Polyp Patient Assessment Scoring Sheet (N-PASS) tool. Results: The N-PASS tool was developed by integrating the subjective and objective measures for CRS assessment. Based on expert opinions, N-PASS was revised to be used as an easy-to-use guidance tool that captures patient-reported and physician-assessed components for comprehensively assessing disease status and response to treatment. Conclusion: The N-PASS tool can be used to aid in the diagnosis and management of CRS cases with nasal polyps. The tool would also aid in improved monitoring of patients and pave the way for an international disease registry. Level of evidence: Oxford Level 3.
RESUMEN
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world in an unprecedented manner. It has aggravated psychological distress in parents of children with cochlear implants. Continuous use of a speech sound processor is critical for auditory stimulation in children with cochlear implants. However, movement restrictions imposed have affected access to hearing healthcare services. The current study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hearing healthcare access for children with cochlear implants. Methods: An online questionnaire survey was conducted among parents of children with cochlear implants. Results: A total of 24 parents responded to the questionnaire. All the respondents reported that COVID-19 has a significant impact on access to hearing health services for their children. Speech processor breakdown and disconnection from the auditory mode of communication had a critical influence on behavioral changes in children. Conclusions: The current study highlights the hurdles faced by the parents in order to access hearing health services for their children. The use of innovative methods such as remote tele-audiology will be the way forward to tackle challenges faced by the parents.