Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patient-Caregiver Dyads

Sterba, Katherine R.; Zapka, Jane; Cranos, Caroline; Laursen, Ashley; Day, Terry A.

doi:10.1097/ncc.0000000000000281

Cited by 40 publications

(45 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…Distinct from previous studies in which most HNC caregivers were spouses (Longacre et al, 2012; Sterba, Zapka, Cranos, Laursen & Day, 2016), we found that approximately half of patients turned to other female family members or friends as primary caregivers. In addition to expected patient challenges (comorbid conditions, unemployment/disability), most caregivers also had competing demands including employment and managing their own health conditions.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Physical and emotional well-being and support in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patient–caregiver dyads

Sterba

Zapka

Armeson

et al. 2017

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology

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The purpose of this study was to examine the physical and emotional well-being and social support in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and caregivers and identify sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors associated with compromised well-being in patients and caregivers. Newly diagnosed HNC patients and their primary caregivers (N = 72 dyads) completed questionnaires before treatment assessing physical and mental well-being, depression, cancer worry, and open-ended support questions. Patients reported worse physical well-being than caregivers (p < 0.05) but similar levels of mental well-being. Caregivers reported providing emotional and instrumental support most frequently with an emphasis on nutrition and assistance with speech, appearance, and addictions. Both patients and their caregivers reported suboptimal mental well-being and depression. Smoking was associated with compromised well-being in patients, caregivers, and dyads. Compromised well-being in patients and their caregivers was more likely when patients were younger, had worse symptoms, and smoked/consumed alcohol (p < 0.05). While patients face more physical strain than caregivers, both equally confront emotional challenges. Results highlight risk factors for compromised well-being in both patients and their caregivers that should be assessed at diagnosis to guide identification of needed dyadic-focused supportive care resources.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 99%

Physical and emotional well-being and support in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patient–caregiver dyads

Sterba

Zapka

Armeson

et al. 2017

Journal of Psychosocial Oncology

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“…18 It is crucial to examine certain caregiving factors, such as communication and patient-caregiver expectations, which might influence patients’ and caregivers’ overall quality of life. 32 …”

Section: Family Caregiving and Communicationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding Family Caregiver Communication to Provide Family-Centered Cancer Care

Wittenberg¹,

Buller²,

Ferrell³

et al. 2017

Seminars in Oncology Nursing

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Objectives To describe a family caregiver communication typology and demonstrate identifiable communication challenges among four caregiver types: Manager, Carrier, Partner, and Lone. Data Sources Case studies based on interviews with oncology family caregivers. Conclusion Each caregiver type demonstrates unique communication challenges that can be identified. Recognition of a specific caregiver type will help nurses to adapt their own communication to provide tailored support. Implications for Nursing Practice Family-centered cancer care requires attention to the communication challenges faced by family caregivers. Understanding the challenges among four family caregiver communication types will enable nurses to better address caregiver burden and family conflict.

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“…HNC survivors and their caregivers face unique recovery challenges and caregiving tasks [9, 11, 8, 20, 19] and based on the complexity and variability in their experiences [13], may especially benefit from completing a comprehensive needs assessment and receiving a tailored care plan after treatment. In this study, we developed and pretested a tablet-based survivorship needs assessment planning tool.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There may be other possible challenges such as risky health behaviors [14, 15] and potentially unique post-treatment needs in the growing population of HNC survivors with human papilloma virus (HPV)-positive tumors [16–18]. Furthermore, the informal family caregivers of HNC survivors may have special needs after treatment when they take on unique roles and responsibilities such as wound care and assistance with speech and nutrition [19, 8, 20]. HNC survivorship interventions are therefore needed to assess and address survivor-caregiver needs at the end of treatment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of a survivorship needs assessment planning tool for head and neck cancer survivors and their caregivers: a preliminary study

et al. 2017

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Purpose The purpose of this study was to characterize primary end-of-treatment challenges in head and neck cancer (HNC) to drive the development of a survivorship needs assessment planning (SNAP) tool and evaluate its acceptability and feasibility. Methods Using qualitative methods (focus groups, interviews), we identified physical, emotional and social post-treatment challenges from the perspectives of survivors (N=17), caregivers (N=14) and healthcare providers (N=14) and pretested the SNAP tool. After Advisory Board ratings and consensus, the tool was finalized. Results Survivors, caregivers and clinicians consistently highlighted the importance of assessing symptoms and functional abilities (e.g., dry mouth, speech/swallowing difficulties, weight loss), health behaviors (e.g., smoking, alcohol), emotional concerns (e.g., depression, isolation, nutritional distress) and social challenges (e.g., support, finances). Caregivers were overwhelmed and intensely focused on survivors’ nutrition and trach/feeding tube care while clinicians emphasized financial and access concerns. Most participants were enthusiastic about the tool and directed a flexible care plan design due to variability in dyad needs. Over 75% reported high comfort using and navigating questions on a tablet and were in strong agreement that the care plan would help families practically and emotionally. Coordination of survivorship visits with follow-up care was critical to address travel and time barriers. While survivors and clinicians recommended waiting 1–6 months after treatment, caregivers preferred earlier survivorship visits. Conclusions Results pinpointed optimal end-of-treatment domains for routine assessment and support the feasibility of implementing a SNAP tool in the clinic. Implications for Cancer Survivors Capitalizing on technology to direct HNC survivorship care is promising.

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Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patient-Caregiver Dyads

Abstract: Head and neck cancer dramatically affects quality of life in patients and caregivers, and quality clinical care requires a dyadic focus. Oncology nurses have a unique opportunity to develop and implement dyadic illness management models for head and neck cancer.

Cited by 40 publications

References 48 publications

Physical and emotional well-being and support in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patient–caregiver dyads

Physical and emotional well-being and support in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patient–caregiver dyads

Understanding Family Caregiver Communication to Provide Family-Centered Cancer Care

Development of a survivorship needs assessment planning tool for head and neck cancer survivors and their caregivers: a preliminary study

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