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Scientific Oral Presentations

Laryngology/Broncho-Esophagology

Session: Scientific Oral Presentations 4 - Laryngology/Broncho-Esophagology

Job Loss and Employee Accommodations Following Vocal Fold Paralysis

Tuesday, October 1, 2024
9:36 AM – 9:42 AM EDT
Location: MBCC, 224
Disclosure(s):
Koffi L. Lakpa, PhD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

David Oliver Francis, MD, MS:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) is a debilitating common complication of anterior neck and cardiothoracic surgeries. UVFP significantly affects a person’s ability to communicate and swallow with psychosocial sequelae. Although the clinical effects of UVFP are understood, impacts on employment and job security are poorly characterized. We sought to quantify the percentage of patients with UVFP that had to leave employment or request work accommodations.

Methods: We analyzed data from a large, prospective cohort of patients with UVFP enrolled in the Vocal Cord Paralysis Experience (CoPE) collaborative, coming from 34 tertiary voice centers across the US. Sociodemographic information, insurance type, comorbidities, clinical and treatment history, and patient-reported outcome measures were collected using an online survey. Patients also provided information on their type of work, work status, whether they required work accommodations, and if they lost employment due to UVFP. Descriptive statistics were performed on patients that requested work accommodations or lost employment due to UVFP.

Results: In all, 613 participants (mean age 57 years, 64% female, 83% Caucasian) enrolled in CoPE. Of 369 non-retired patients, 57 (15%) reported requesting work accommodations due to their UVFP. Teaching and healthcare professionals most frequently requested accommodations. A sum of 46 (12.5%) patients 74% female, 17% non-Caucasian, and had a mean age of 55 years of age (SD ±12.5 years) reported loss of employment due to their UVFP.

Conclusions: Unilateral vocal fold paralysis has a major impact on employment. Over 1 in 10 patients lost employment and 1 in 6 required work accommodations related to their UVFP. This represents one of first studies to assess the employment burden of UVFP and creates a mandate to improve treatments and accommodations for affected individuals. Treating physicians need to be aware of, counsel, and provide support to patients who may require work accommodations due to this condition.

    Presenting Author(s)

  • KL

    Koffi L. Lakpa, PhD

    Medical Student
    UWSMPH
    Madison, WI, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • DF

    David Oliver Francis, MD, MS

    Associate Professor
    Division of Otolaryngology, University of Wisconsin - Madison
    Madison, WI, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • AB

    Andrew Bowen, MD

    Resident
    Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education (Rochester), United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • NA

    Natalia Arroyo

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • SF

    Sara Fernandes-Taylor, PhD

    Associate Scientist
    Department of Surgery/University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • SD

    Seth H. Dailey, MD

    Chief, Section of Laryngology and Voice Surgery, Professor of Surgery
    University of Wisconsin, Madison
    Madison, WI, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Senior Author(s)

  • SD

    Seth H. Dailey, MD

    Chief, Section of Laryngology and Voice Surgery, Professor of Surgery
    University of Wisconsin, Madison
    Madison, WI, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.