Social Science and Dentistry

cover art

Cover Date:
December 2010
Print ISSN:
2040-4263
Vol:
1
Issue:
2

Exploring the concerns and needs of patients with terminal head and neck cancer and their caregivers

Introduction: This study explored the concerns and needs of patients with terminal head and neck cancer (HNC) and their caregivers. Methods: Seven dyads (seven patients and six caregivers) were consecutively recruited from a head and neck cancer (HNC) service. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the concerns and needs held. The data from the qualitative interviews were analysed using Framework analysis. Results: Five themes emerged: feeling lessened or limited by HNC; difficulties faced by the caregiver; concerns surrounding death; feelings of uncontrollability and uncertainty; and needs. Uncertainty regarding the future trajectory of the HNC was the concern for which participants needed most help. Conclusions: It is suggested that clinicians might provide most support by being responsive to dyads’ wishes to know a terminal diagnosis and to communicate this in a clear and sensitive way. In addition, caregivers might benefit from further informational support to help them manage new responsibilities.

Key words: Head and neck neoplasms, terminally ill, caregivers, concerns, needs, communication, framework analysis, qualitative research

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
88
Page End
96
Authors
K R Foxwell, S E Scott

Articles from this issue

  • Title
  • Pg. Start
  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial
  2. 56
  3. 56

  1. Dentist-patient communication: how do the models correspond?
  2. 57
  3. 67

  1. Journey to the dental office: a study of dental illness behaviour exhibited by people visiting government and private dental services in Delhi, India
  2. 69
  3. 76

  1. Caregiver’s social relations and children’s oral health in a low-income urban setting
  2. 77
  3. 87

  1. Exploring the concerns and needs of patients with terminal head and neck cancer and their caregivers
  2. 88
  3. 96

  1. Mothers’ understanding of dental-caries related feeding practices and children’s use of dental care in Ajman
  2. 97
  3. 107

  1. Anxiety reduction via brief intervention in dentally anxious patients: a randomised controlled trial
  2. 108
  3. 117

  1. Meeting at the University of Sheffield
  2. 118
  3. 118