Head and neck cancer survivors’ preferences for and evaluations of a post-treatment dietary intervention

Abstract

Background Dietary preferences vary depending on cancer type. The purpose of this study was to report dietary intervention preferences and a study program evaluation from post-treatment head and neck cancer survivors participating in a dietary intervention. Methods Between January 2015 and August 2016, 24 head and neck cancer survivors participated in a 12-week randomized clinical dietary intervention trial that promoted weekly consumption of 2.5 cups of cruciferous vegetables and 3.5 cups of green leafy vegetables. At study completion, survivors completed a preferences survey and a study program evaluation to probe interests and improvement aspects for planning future dietary intervention trials. Descriptive statistics (means and frequencies) were generated for multiple choice question responses. Responses to open-ended questions were recorded and grouped based on themes, and verified by quality assurance checks by a second study team member. Results Twenty-three survivors completed the preferences and evaluation surveys (response rate 96%). Overall, most participants reported a preference for one-on-one telephone counseling from a registered dietitian nutritionist before beginning treatment. Ninety-six percent of participants ranked the overall study program as “very good” to “excellent,” and all agreed the objectives of the study were clear, the study staff was helpful and easy to contact, and the registered dietitian nutritionist was knowledgeable. Conclusions Future research and dietary intervention planning for head and neck cancer survivors should focus on strategies to promote one-on-one telephone or other distance-based counseling combined with face-to-face visits, according to survivor preference.

Estudo de aceitabilidade das intervenções psicológicas via telefone para sobreviventes de cancro dos Açores

“…No geral, os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que a maioria da amostra considerou que uma intervenção via telefone pode ser eficaz para fazer face a problemas der índole psicológica, sendo provável nela participar. De facto, a investigação já levada a cabo no âmbito das intervenções desta natureza tem evidenciado que as mesmas têm sido aceitáveis junto de sobreviventes de cancro (Crowder et al, 2019;Escriva et al, 2018;Forbes et al, 2019;Salsman et al, 2019;Seiler et al, 2017). Os nossos dados evidenciam que uma maior percentagem de sobreviventes com idade superior a 65 anos percecionou uma maior utilidade deste género de intervenção, comparativamente àqueles das restantes faixas etárias.…”

“…Nos Açores, o número reduzido de equipas especializadas em saúde mental e os constrangimentos impostos pela insularidade no acesso aos serviços de saúde (e.g., distâncias até aos hospitais centrais, carência de transportes, custos envolvidos na deslocação dentro e fora da Região), tornam mais desafiante o desenho e a implementação de intervenções psicológicas que permitam ultrapassar estes constrangimentos. Como forma de responder a alguns dos aspetos acima referidos, os estudos de revisão mais recentes têm vindo a avaliar os efeitos da utilização da tecnologia (e.g., telemedicina, e-health, telefone, apps) na prestação de cuidados de suporte e de follow-up para sobreviventes de cancro (Crowder et al, 2019;Escriva et al, 2018;Forbes et al, 2019). Dadas as especificidades geográficas do arquipélago açoriano (e.g., dispersão geográfica) e, consequentemente, as barreiras geográficas, práticas/estruturais, que podem influenciar a procura de ajuda especializada, o recurso à tecnologia pode ser uma via promissora na prestação de apoio psicológico aos sobreviventes desta Região.…”

A systematic review on the guidelines for nutritional assessment for head and neck cancer patients managed by surgery

“…[ 10 ] With a compromised deglutition functioning, maintaining a nutrition balance is a big challenge in such cases. [ 11 ] A multicentric study reported that pain and scar in the region of surgery may dissuade the patients from consuming food normally. Those with more than 10 kg of weight loss postsurgically were more dependent on mashed food.…”

Patient perspectives on surveillance after head and neck cancer treatment: A systematic review

“…Though one study suggested some survivors prefer telephone follow-up, this was limited to dietetic advice rather than monitoring of disease recurrence with HNC clinicians. 25 Boyajian et al suggested a tiered system, whereby a set of core issues were identified (appointment planning, monitoring investigations, information regarding side effects and strategies for fear of recurrence) and once satisfactorily met further issues and needs could be addressed as highlighted by individuals as being of importance. 10 This approach would allow patients to have input into their own priorities once the core aspects of surveillance had been addressed.…”