Disruption to radiation therapy sessions due to anxiety among patients receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck area can be predicted using patient self‐report measures

Clover, Kerrie; Oultram, Sharon; Adams, Catherine; Cross, Laraine; Findlay, Naomi; Ponman, L.

doi:10.1002/pon.1854

Cited by 55 publications

(80 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Oultram et al and Dong et al also recommended CST to improve detection and management of patient issues including anxiety, claustrophobia, coping and side effects. Clover et al and Oultram et al reported that RTs over‐estimated anxiety compared to patient self‐report, and suggested training may improve accurate detection.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It is widely documented that up to 49% of patients attending radiation therapy appointments may experience anxiety and distress . Anxiety is heightened during the first few visits to radiation oncology, particularly prior to starting treatment . During these visits, patients meet a variety of health care professionals (HCPs), including radiation oncologists (ROs), radiation therapists (RTs) and radiation oncology nurses (RONs).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reduced patient anxiety as a result of radiation therapist-led psychosocial support: a systematic review

et al. 2017

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Up to 49% of patients attending radiation therapy appointments may experience anxiety and distress. Anxiety is heightened during the first few visits to radiation oncology. Radiation therapists (RT) are the only health professionals in direct daily contact with patients during treatment, placing them in a unique position to explore patients’ psychosocial needs. This review aims to synthesise literature regarding the effect of RT‐led psychosocial support on patient anxiety. In May 2015, we searched the following electronic databases: Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed and Cochrane library. Radiation therapy‐specific journals were hand‐searched, and reference lists of identified studies searched. This review complies with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search identified 263 articles, of which 251 were excluded based on non‐English language, duplicate article or relevance. A total of 12 articles involving 1363 patients were included and categorised into three broad themes: ‘Patient Perspectives’ 3 articles, ‘Patient Information and Education’ 5 articles and ‘Screening and Needs Assessment’ 4 articles. Two publications referred to the same sample and data. Quality ratings were mixed, with one study rated ‘high’ quality, seven ‘moderate’ and four ‘low’. Methodological weaknesses were identified in relation to workflow, sample size and responder bias. RTs have a role in psychosocial support through increased communication and information sharing, which can benefit both patients and staff. RT‐led practices such as relationship building, patient education sessions and screening and needs assessments are feasible and can reduce anxiety.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reduced patient anxiety as a result of radiation therapist-led psychosocial support: a systematic review

et al. 2017

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“…Anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiation therapy has been associated with treatment disruption 43 ; and data indicate that failure to complete head and neck cancer treatment in a timely manner is associated with decreased local control and survival. 44 Furthermore, patients with depression, anxiety, and/or neurocognitive dysfunction often fail to comply with treatment recommendations.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Caregiver-Reported Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

2014

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Background Patients with cancer experience multiple neuropsychiatric symptoms. While individual symptoms have been studied in patients with head and neck cancer, the broader context of neuropsychiatric symptoms needs to be explored. Objective The aims of this pilot study were: 1) to determine the caregiver-reported prevalence and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with head and neck cancer, 2) to determine the associated level of caregiver distress, and 3) to describe the effects of neuropsychiatric symptoms on patients and their caregivers. Methods Twenty-three family caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer completed the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire and participated in a semi-structured interview. Results All caregivers reported that patients experienced at least one neuropsychiatric symptom (Mean 7.5; Range 1–12). The most frequently reported symptoms were trouble with appetite and eating (95.7%), altered nighttime behaviors (82.6%), depression/dysphoria (78.3%), decreased alertness (69.6%), inattention (60.9%), apathy/indifference (56.5%), anxiety (56.5%), irritability/lability (52.5%), agitation/aggression (52.2%), and slowed behavior (43.5%). The mean severity rating for nine symptoms was moderate to severe. Most symptoms caused mild to moderate levels of caregiver distress. Qualitative data indicated that neuropsychiatric symptoms negatively affected patients, their caregivers, and other family members. Patients required more caregiver support resulting in increased caregiver burden and distress. Conclusions Neuropsychiatric symptoms are common and troubling in patients with head and neck cancer during treatment. Further investigation of their effects on patients and family caregivers is needed. Implications for Practice Clinicians should monitor for and treat neuropsychiatric symptoms throughout treatment, and provide caregiver and patient education and support.

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“…22,23 Many articles in the literature acknowledge this to be a significant problem, yet there is a paucity of research exploring methods to manage it. 22,23 Many articles in the literature acknowledge this to be a significant problem, yet there is a paucity of research exploring methods to manage it.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Calming panic states in the Mould Room and beyond: A pilot complementary therapy head and neck cancer service

et al. 2011

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Purpose: The service was piloted in response to requests for assistance with patients experiencing severe anxiety undergoing head and neck radiotherapy. This paper describes the aims of the service, interventions provided and the recorded responses of patients to the support given.Data: Information about who referred, patient demographics, the interventions provided and patient feedback (n ¼ 112) was extracted from treatment records over a 15-month period.Findings: All referred patients successfully completed procedures and treatment. About 43 patients voluntarily disclosed past trauma, for example, sexual abuse, assault, childhood trauma, which they judged to have been linked to their claustrophobic responses. Advice and support was given to 40 patients also referred for smoking cessation; an additional three patients requested support when cravings returned. Conclusion:There is a paucity of information about the extent of the distress triggered by radiotherapy procedures and what interventions could be offered in practice. Further work is required to include an economic assessment and longer term effects on patient compliance with treatment and smoking cessation. Training needs for complementary therapists and radiotherapy staff at this centre were also identified; these are being addressed.

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Disruption to radiation therapy sessions due to anxiety among patients receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck area can be predicted using patient self‐report measures

Cited by 55 publications

References 23 publications

Reduced patient anxiety as a result of radiation therapist-led psychosocial support: a systematic review

Reduced patient anxiety as a result of radiation therapist-led psychosocial support: a systematic review

Caregiver-Reported Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Patients Undergoing Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

Calming panic states in the Mould Room and beyond: A pilot complementary therapy head and neck cancer service

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