The experience of food, eating and meals following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: a qualitative study

MSc, RD Sandra Ottosson; Laurell, Göran; Olsson, RD Cecilia

doi:10.1111/jocn.12151

Cited by 80 publications

(145 citation statements)

References 28 publications

(48 reference statements)

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“…Changes in the significance and meaning of food, and the personal and lifestyle impacts as a result of dysphagia were equally significant areas of concern for this group. This finding was consistent with earlier studies (Larsson et al, 2003;McQuestion et al, 2011;Ottosson et al, 2013) and re-emphasises the complexity of living with dysphagia following HNC management.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

“…Consistent with previous research, participants reported living with an extensive range of physical changes to their swallowing ability (Larsson et al, 2003;McQuestion et al, 2011;Ottosson et al, 2013). However, whilst the physical changes to swallowing following nonsurgical treatment were an important concern for participants in this study, the results also revealed a considerable, ongoing emotional response to dysphagia.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 79%

“…Traditionally the assessment and management of dysphagia has been medically driven (Threats, 2007) with the majority of interventions for dysphagia focused on rehabilitation of the swallow (Cousins, MacAulay, Lang, MacGillivray, & Wells, 2013). However both the current data and prior evidence (Larsson et al, 2003;McQuestion et al, 2011;Ottosson et al, 2013) supports the need for active intervention for both the physical and psychosocial issues, and for services that extend beyond the acute recovery phase. In order to do this though, we need better processes for the detection and monitoring of psychological and social issues.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

“…In the only study to take more of a long-term perspective Ottosson, Laurell, and Olsson (2013) interviewed 13 people with HNC at around 9 months post-radiotherapy. In addition to the complex mix of physical, social, and psychological effects of living with dysphagia, other important themes were identified.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

The lived experience of dysphagia following non-surgical treatment for head and neck cancer

Nund

Ward

Scarinci

et al. 2013

International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology

102

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 79%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 78%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The lived experience of dysphagia following non-surgical treatment for head and neck cancer

Nund

Ward

Scarinci

et al. 2013

International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology

102

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show abstract

“…The site of the tumour and the side-effects of treatment can impact on eating and drinking, physical appearance, and communication [7,8]. Improved treatments have lowered mortality rates but at the expense of greater morbidity, with many patients experiencing long term or permanent swallowing problems (dysphagia) [9] and younger survivors reporting the most severe problems [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and feasibility of an electronic-Swallowing Intervention Package (e-SiP) to support swallowing function in patients with head and neck cancer (Preprint)

Boa¹,

King²,

Wells³

et al. 2018

Preprint

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Background: Many patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) experience significant swallowing difficulties, and there is some evidence that swallowing exercises may improve outcomes, including quality of life. This feasibility study developed an evidence-based, practical Swallowing Intervention Package (SiP) for patients undergoing chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) for HNC. As part of the study, an electronic version of SiP (e-SiP) was concurrently developed to support patients to selfmanage during treatment. This paper reports on the e-SiP component of this work.Objective: To develop and conduct preliminary evaluation of an electronic support system (e-SiP) for patients undergoing CRT for head and neck cancer. Methods:The study involved health professionals and patients who were undergoing CRT for head and neck cancer. The scoping stage of e-SiP development involved investigated the potential usefulness of e-SiP, exploring how e-SiP would look and feel and what content would be appropriate to provide. Patient and carer focus groups and a health professionals' consensus day were used as a means of data gathering around potential e-SiP content. A repeat focus group looked at an outline version of e-SIP and informed the next stage of its development around requirements for tool. This was followed by further development and a testing stage of e-SiP involved the coding of a prototype which was then evaluated using a series of steering group meetings, semistructured interviews with both patients and health care professionals, and analysis of e-SiP log data. Results:Feedback from focus groups and health professional interviews was very positive and it was felt e-SiP use would support and encourage patients in conducting their swallowing exercises. However, of the ten patients offered e-SIP, only two opted to use it. For these patients, aspects of the e-SIP application were considered useful, in particular the ease of keeping a diary of exercises performed. Interviews with users and non-users suggested significant barriers to its use. Most significantly the lack of flexibility of platform on which e-SiP could be accessed appeared a dominant factor in deterring e-SiP use. Conclusions:Results suggest a need for further research to be conducted around the implementation of e-SiP. This involves evaluating how e-SiP can be better integrated into usual care, and through patient training and staff engagement, can be seen as a beneficial tool to help support patients in conducting swallowing exercises.1

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Patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy: Their experiences after 6 months of prophylactic tooth extractions and temporary removable dentures

Brahm

Borg²,

Malm

et al. 2021

Clinical & Exp Dental Res

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Objectives:The impact of dental occlusion on the experiences of head and neck cancer patients and their oral, social and psychological functioning has been sparsely investigated. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the experience of tooth loss and dentures among patients treated for head and neck cancer. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of head and neck cancer patients of prophylactic tooth extractions and temporary removable dentures, 6 months after radiotherapy treatment.Material and methods: An individual interview with 25 patients 6 months after radiotherapy was subjected to a qualitative content analysis.Results: Two categories, Impaired oral function and Belief in the future, and seven subcategories described the patients' experiences of temporary removable dentures during the first 6 months after prophylactic tooth extractions. The temporary removable dentures affected the patients' ability to chew, swallow and speak, caused pain, and were experienced as an enemy. Despite that, the patients were hopeful and had a wish for recovery, which gave them the energy to live. Conclusion:Prophylactic tooth extractions and temporary removable dentures 6 months after radiotherapy treatment affect head and neck cancer patients' recovery and everyday life. However, they have the will to take on these challenges, pertaining not only to themselves, but also to relatives and health professionals. At the individual level, the patient needs individualized professional support to get through the arduous procedure, from the acute situation until the end of the rehabilitation phase.

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The experience of food, eating and meals following radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: a qualitative study

Cited by 80 publications

References 28 publications

The lived experience of dysphagia following non-surgical treatment for head and neck cancer

The lived experience of dysphagia following non-surgical treatment for head and neck cancer

Development and feasibility of an electronic-Swallowing Intervention Package (e-SiP) to support swallowing function in patients with head and neck cancer (Preprint)

Patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy: Their experiences after 6 months of prophylactic tooth extractions and temporary removable dentures

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