The Value of Qualitative Research in Dysphagia in the Head and Neck Cancer Population: What Can We Learn From the Survivors' Perspective?

Abstract

Dysphagia is a common acute and long-term side effect of curative, non-surgical treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC). Despite what is known about dysphagia associated with HNC treatment in terms of its prevalence, severity, physiological characteristics, and the associated effects on quality of life (QoL), our understanding of the key factors which impact on HNC survivors is only just emerging. Whilst quantitative research studies have demonstrated that most people experience dysphagia in the early post-treatment period, and that many people continue to have ongoing swallowing issues for months and years following treatment, emerging qualitative research in this field has provided insights into the extent to which the presence of dysphagia impacts on the everyday lives of people with HNC. By exploring issues from the perspectives of people living with dysphagia, qualitative research has highlighted those factors that have the greatest impact on oral intake, raised issues for service provision, and highlighted the need for additional professional involvement and better long term supportive care.