Clinical Evaluation of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency–Specific Quality of Life: Expanding the Standard of Care

Purpose This article discusses the rationale for expanding the standard of care to include clinical evaluation of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI)-specific quality of life, incorporation of VPI Effects on Life Outcome (VELO) administration into daily clinic flow, and ways to utilize VELO scores as a platform for open communication and mutual decision making between the patient, family, and providers. Conclusion Current standard of care in the evaluation of velopharyngeal function includes perceptual and instrumental assessment. VPI, however, also impacts quality of life. A patient's or family's perception of how VPI impacts every day functioning should also inform clinical decision making. The VELO is a VPI-specific functional status measure that evaluates both a child's and a parent's perspective on how the presence of VPI influences daily functioning. Deciding on surgery for VPI management can be a complex process with multiple factors that need to be accounted for including concomitant speech disorde...