Symptom experiences and management of head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy: integrated review

There are limited numbers of literature reviews about symptoms experiences and self- management of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients underwent radiation therapy, before, during, and after the treatment. Moreover, qualitative approach exploring these specific experiences and their managements will benefit both health care provider and researcher to understand the factual experiences. Knowledge of this kind is necessary to help them to eliminate the distress from treatment-related symptom toxicities and to develop novel and adequate intervention to support these patients’ needs. A literature search was carried out in Apr’ 2017 using Cochrane, CINAHL, Ovid, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Science Direct databases to review the literature surrounding HNC patient, symptom experiences and their management during radiation or concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Symptoms experienced by HNC patients mainly relate to eating difficulties and uncertainty from being diagnosed with cancer until treatment completion. The management is focused on self-management as out-patients status by delivering guidance and education from knowledgeable healthcare provider and interpersonal relationship. Communication strategies with tailored information also provide vital data found in this synthesis. Early assessment and early intervention with patients and family involvement are important quality oncology services for helping the uniquely complex treatment-related symptoms to overcome the hard time and get through the treatment trajectory.

Biography :

E-mail:

sirikorn.roj@pccms.ac.th

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