Allyson Mayo1,2, Jerry Lam1, Manjula Maganti1, Maurene McQuestion1,2, Andrea Gomes1, Shannon Cluett1, Yumi Lee1, Jennifer Deering1,2, Michele Davies1, Sarah Tosoni1, Jolie Ringash3,4. 1. Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 2. Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 3. Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jolie.ringash@rmp.uhn.ca. 4. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. jolie.ringash@rmp.uhn.ca.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer survivors are increasing in prevalence, and 60-70% still experience at least one unmet emotional and/or physical need after treatment has ended. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a brief post-treatment psychoeducational intervention on perceived preparedness for coping with recovery using post-session evaluations. METHODS: Between August 2013 and May 2018, a two-session, multidisciplinary "getting back on track" class was delivered to head and neck cancer patients approximately 2 months following radiation treatment at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada. Three hundred and fifty attendees completed evaluations. Statistical analyses of the 310 patients surveyed measured change in level of preparedness to cope with recovery using the b-prepared scale. Qualitative analyses provided insight into potential benefits for future patients. RESULTS: Almost two-thirds (58%) of patients reported an increase in level of preparedness in post-intervention surveys. Comparing self-reported level of preparedness among patients from before to after the class showed an increase in feeling prepared from 50 to 58%, and of those feeling very prepared, from 6 to 34%. The proportion of patients who reported feeling unprepared (11%) or neutral (33%) before the class decreased post-intervention, with 0% feeling unprepared and 7% feeling neutral. There were statistically significant differences in the ideal timing of the class, but overall attendees agreed that the class is an essential part of their recovery. CONCLUSION: Results confirm the efficacy of this brief psychoeducational intervention to improve preparedness in head and neck cancer survivors following radiation treatment.
PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer survivors are increasing in prevalence, and 60-70% still experience at least one unmet emotional and/or physical need after treatment has ended. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a brief post-treatment psychoeducational intervention on perceived preparedness for coping with recovery using post-session evaluations. METHODS: Between August 2013 and May 2018, a two-session, multidisciplinary "getting back on track" class was delivered to head and neck cancer patients approximately 2 months following radiation treatment at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada. Three hundred and fifty attendees completed evaluations. Statistical analyses of the 310 patients surveyed measured change in level of preparedness to cope with recovery using the b-prepared scale. Qualitative analyses provided insight into potential benefits for future patients. RESULTS: Almost two-thirds (58%) of patients reported an increase in level of preparedness in post-intervention surveys. Comparing self-reported level of preparedness among patients from before to after the class showed an increase in feeling prepared from 50 to 58%, and of those feeling very prepared, from 6 to 34%. The proportion of patients who reported feeling unprepared (11%) or neutral (33%) before the class decreased post-intervention, with 0% feeling unprepared and 7% feeling neutral. There were statistically significant differences in the ideal timing of the class, but overall attendees agreed that the class is an essential part of their recovery. CONCLUSION: Results confirm the efficacy of this brief psychoeducational intervention to improve preparedness in head and neck cancer survivors following radiation treatment.
Authors: Heidi E Stiegelis; Mariët Hagedoorn; Robbert Sanderman; Femke T C Bennenbroek; Bram P Buunk; Alfons C M van den Bergh; Gerrit Botke; Adelita V Ranchor Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2004-04 Impact factor: 3.894
Authors: Meredith Giuliani; Maurene McQuestion; Jennifer Jones; Janet Papadakos; Lisa W Le; Nour Alkazaz; Terry Cheng; John Waldron; Pamela Catton; Jolie Ringash Journal: Head Neck Date: 2016-02-19 Impact factor: 3.147
Authors: Darren R Brenner; Hannah K Weir; Alain A Demers; Larry F Ellison; Cheryl Louzado; Amanda Shaw; Donna Turner; Ryan R Woods; Leah M Smith Journal: CMAJ Date: 2020-03-02 Impact factor: 8.262
Authors: Meredith Giuliani; Robin Milne; Maurene McQuestion; Lorna Sampson; Lisa W Le; Jennifer Jones; Terry Cheng; John Waldron; Jolie Ringash Journal: Oral Oncol Date: 2017-06-23 Impact factor: 5.337