Finnish translation and linguistic validation of the FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module

Lotta Varakas; Ian Barner-Rasmussen; Aaro Haapaniemi; Andrew Lindford; Patrik Lassus; Pauliina Homsy

doi:10.2340/jphs.v59.40518

Authors

Lotta Varakas Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9732-246X
Ian Barner-Rasmussen Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6294-4988
Aaro Haapaniemi Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3097-1118
Andrew Lindford Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1120-8160
Patrik Lassus Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0554-5096
Pauliina Homsy Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5454-3313

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/jphs.v59.40518

Keywords:

Head and neck cancer, health-related quality of life, patient-reported outcomes, FACE-Q, FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module

Abstract

Head and neck cancer (HNC) and its treatment can result in permanent changes to a patient’s appearance, speaking, eating, and psychosocial well-being. To better assess the impact of the disease on HNC patients, the FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module, a health-related quality-of-life instrument, was developed. The aim of this study was to produce and linguistically validate a Finnish version of the module. The module was translated into Finnish following the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) guidelines. A total of 51 patients who had undergone tumour resection and reconstruction of the oral cavity, tonsil, or tongue area between 2019 and 2021 were approached for a pilot study. They completed the translated module and provided feedback on any linguistic issues. Adjustments were made based on the pilot study comments. The FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module translated well into Finnish. Twenty-one (41%) patients participated in the survey, 12 men (57%) and nine women (43%) with a median age of 66 years (range 48–89 years). The median time since surgery was 3 years (range 1–4 years). Based on the feedback from the pilot study participants, one word was changed, and one question was rewritten. Otherwise, no deficiencies were identified in the language of the module. In summary, this study produced a linguistically valid Finnish version of the FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module, enabling its application in evaluating the health-related quality-of-life among Finnish HNC patients who have undergone reconstructive surgery.

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