The Development and validation of the Smell-Qx questionnaire, based on a systematic review of the literature and the COMET initiative on the development of core outcome Sets for clinical trials in olfactory disorders

Lechner, M., Fjaeldstad, A., Rehman, U., Liu, J., Boniface, D., Boardman, J., Boak, D., Altundag, A., Frasnelli, J., Gane, S., Holbrook, E., Hsieh, J., Huart, C., Konstantinidis, I., Landis, B. N., Lund, V. J., Macchi, A., Mori, E., Mueller, C., Mullol, J., Negoias, S., Patel, Z. M., Pinto, J. M., Poletti, S., Ramakrishnan, V., Rombaux, P., Vodicka, J., Welge-Luessen, A., Whitcroft, K. L., Yan, C., Philpott, C. et Hummel, T. (2025). The Development and validation of the Smell-Qx questionnaire, based on a systematic review of the literature and the COMET initiative on the development of core outcome Sets for clinical trials in olfactory disorders. International Forum of Allergy and Rhinology, 15 (9). p. 974. ISSN 2042-6976 2042-6984 DOI 10.1002/alr.23604

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Résumé

Abstract
Background:
Olfactory dysfunction affects up to 22% of the population. Accurate assessment is vital for diagnosis and tracking outcomes, often using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

Aims:
We aimed to develop and validate a novel questionnaire for assessing olfactory and gustatory dysfunction.

Methods:
A systematic review identified existing smell and taste questionnaires, followed by item generation and selection. After two Delphi cycles and consultation with a large panel of smell and taste experts, the Smell-Qx questionnaire was developed. A validation study recruited patients from smell and taste clinics (cases) and general ENT clinics (controls) to complete the Smell-Qx. Additionally, patients with smell and taste disorders underwent psychophysical testing using Sniffin’ Stick Threshold, Discrimination, and Identification (TDI) tests.

Results:
The Smell-Qx is an 11-domain instrument, with five core domains used for total score calculation and six history/quality-of-life domains for obtaining a comprehensive history. The validation study recruited 60 participants (32 patients with smell/taste disorders and 28 controls). Items showed acceptable to significant internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.64–0.97) and test–retest reliability (ICC: 0.65–0.99, p < 0.001). The Smell-Qx was effective at distinguishing patients with smell and taste disorders from controls (t = 9.99, df = 58, p < 0.0001). Concurrent criterion validity was good with overall SATD-related quality of life (r = 0.43, p = 0.015), as well as with the smell loss domain and overall smell TDI scores (r = −0.54, p = 0.011).

Conclusion:
The Smell-Qx is a reliable and valid PROM for assessing olfactory and self-reported gustatory disorders, capturing symptom severity and quality-of-life impact. It can integrate into a multi-modal assessment approach alongside psychophysical testing.

Type de document:	Article
Mots-clés libres:	Gustatory dysfunction Olfactory dysfunction Patient-reported outcome measures
Date de dépôt:	19 févr. 2026 19:31
Dernière modification:	19 févr. 2026 19:31
Version du document déposé:	Version officielle de l'éditeur
URI:	https://depot-e.uqtr.ca/id/eprint/12614

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