Mapping Voice Self-Assessment Instruments for Gender-Diverse Populations: A Scoping Review Protocol

Objective: To map self-assessment instruments for voice-related and communication-related constructs that were developed and/or validated for gender-diverse people. Introduction: Gender-diverse people may have specific needs related to voice and communication, making it important to use instruments capable of measuring these aspects from the individual’s own perspective. Although the literature includes several instruments designed to assess different constructs related to voice and communication, it is necessary to identify those developed and validated for use with this population, as well as to characterize their purposes and properties. In this context, this scoping review will identify and map the instruments available in the literature. Inclusion criteria: Studies involving gender-diverse people and reporting the development and/or evaluation of measurement properties of self-assessment instruments designed to assess voice- and communication-related constructs will be included. Different gender identities will be considered, as well as studies that provide specific data for the population of interest. Methods: A scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The search will be conducted in electronic databases and gray literature sources, using a previously developed strategy adapted for each information source, with no restrictions on language or publication date. Two independent reviewers will screen titles and abstracts and subsequently assess the full texts following prior calibration. Data will be extracted on the characteristics of the studies, populations, self-assessment instruments, and psychometric properties evaluated. The results will be synthesized descriptively and presented in tables, figures, and narrative form.