Gillian F Williams1, Helen White2, Mehmet Sen3, Robin J D Prestwich4. 1. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's Institute of Oncology, Leeds, UK. Electronic address: Gillian.Williams16@nhs.net. 2. School of Clinical & Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK. Electronic address: H.White@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. 3. Department of Clinical Oncology, Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's Institute of Oncology, Leeds, UK. Electronic address: Mehmet.sen@nhs.net. 4. Department of Clinical Oncology, Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's Institute of Oncology, Leeds, UK. Electronic address: Robin.Prestwich@nhs.net.
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Enteral feeding is commonly required during radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer. Only limited qualitative research into head and neck cancer patients' experiences of enteral tube feeding has been undertaken. The aim of this qualitative study was to evaluate patients' experiences of EF and the surrounding decision making process. METHODS: Semi-structured, face-to face interviews were conducted with ten patients who had completed (chemo)radiotherapy/radiotherapy for head and neck cancer at a cancer centre in the North of England. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed qualitatively using Thematic Analysis. RESULTS: Participants described the restrictions on daily living caused by enteral feeding tubes and enteral feeding. Despite these restrictions, participants recognised the value of the enteral feeding tube including its role in their survival and the importance of their involvement in decision making. Participants described coping mechanisms used to deal with the difficulties associated with enteral feeding. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide a unique qualitative insight into the lived experiences of H&N cancer patients managed with enteral feeding and the impact of the decision making process. The results have relevance for professionals supporting this patient group with enteral feeding.
BACKGROUND & AIMS: Enteral feeding is commonly required during radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer. Only limited qualitative research into head and neck cancerpatients' experiences of enteral tube feeding has been undertaken. The aim of this qualitative study was to evaluate patients' experiences of EF and the surrounding decision making process. METHODS: Semi-structured, face-to face interviews were conducted with ten patients who had completed (chemo)radiotherapy/radiotherapy for head and neck cancer at a cancer centre in the North of England. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed qualitatively using Thematic Analysis. RESULTS:Participants described the restrictions on daily living caused by enteral feeding tubes and enteral feeding. Despite these restrictions, participants recognised the value of the enteral feeding tube including its role in their survival and the importance of their involvement in decision making. Participants described coping mechanisms used to deal with the difficulties associated with enteral feeding. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide a unique qualitative insight into the lived experiences of H&N cancerpatients managed with enteral feeding and the impact of the decision making process. The results have relevance for professionals supporting this patient group with enteral feeding.
Authors: Kelsey L Corrigan; Brian De; Michael K Rooney; Ethan B Ludmir; Prajnan Das; Grace L Smith; Cullen M Taniguchi; Bruce D Minsky; Eugene J Koay; Albert C Koong; Emma B Holliday Journal: Adv Radiat Oncol Date: 2022-04-30
Authors: Asta Bye; Jon A Sandmael; Guro B Stene; Lene Thorsen; Trude R Balstad; Tora S Solheim; Are Hugo Pripp; Line M Oldervoll Journal: Nutrients Date: 2020-10-22 Impact factor: 5.717