Self-assessment of Tonsil Size

NCT07205653 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: T2025/10790
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The participants receive instructions on two tonsil size classification scales and then, using a tongue depressor as well as their mobile phone camera and/or a flashlight and a mirror, the participants assess the size of their own tonsils on two scales. After the self-assessment, a medical student and two ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists evaluate the participants' tonsil size using a tongue depressor and a headlamp, applying the same scales. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that patient self-assessment constitutes a sufficiently accurate method for evaluating tonsil size. Furthermore, it aims to show that patients experiencing conditions such as sleep apnea or swallowing difficulties can, on the basis of their own assessment, be appropriately referred to an otolaryngologist for surgical evaluation, thereby conserving healthcare resources and reducing the time burden for patients.

Conditions

Tonsillar Hypertrophy

Keywords

tonsil size; tonsillar hypertrophy; self-assessment

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Sufficient intraclass correlation coefficient

  The investigators hypothesize that both participants and a trained medical student will be able to assess tonsil size-categorizing them as small, medium, or large, as well as grading them on a 0-4 scale-with sufficient agreement compared to professional evaluation, defined as an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of at least 0.60.

  At enrollment (day 1)

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

University first year medical students without any clinical or anatomical experience.

You may not qualify if:

• Experience in clinical work with patients
• Prior tonsillectomy

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Turku University Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Turku University Hospital

Turku, Finland

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Dr

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 24, 2025
• First Posted: October 3, 2025
• Study Start: October 20, 2025
• Primary Completion: January 1, 2026
• Study Completion: January 1, 2026
• Last Updated: October 3, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-10

Locations

FI (1)