‘Having the mask on didn't worry me until … they clamped my head down so I wouldn't move’: A qualitative study exploring anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer during radiation therapy

Author:

Forbes Erin1ORCID,Clover Kerrie12,Baker Amanda L.1,Britton Ben13,Carlson Melissa1,McCarter Kristen4

Affiliation:

1. School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health Medicine and Wellbeing University of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia

2. PsychoOncology Service, Department of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Calvary Mater Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia

3. Hunter New England Mental Health Services Newcastle New South Wales Australia

4. School of Psychological Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Environment University of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACTIntroductionMore than 20% of patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer report anxiety specifically related to the immobilisation mask, a tight‐fighting mask patients are required to wear for the duration of each treatment session. However, limited research has investigated this from the patient perspective. The aim of this study was to better understand patient experiences of mask anxiety during head and neck cancer radiation therapy and to explore patient attitudes toward potential strategies that may reduce mask anxiety during this treatment.MethodsFive patients with head and neck cancer, who had self‐reported mask anxiety during radiation therapy, participated in semi‐structured, qualitative interviews exploring their experiences of anxiety and suggestions for reducing anxiety. A codebook thematic analysis was conducted.ResultsSix main themes were identified: (1) triggers of anxiety; (2) adjusting to radiation therapy; (3) education about the mask; (4) coping; (5) motivation and (6) improving the patient experience.ConclusionFindings from these interviews provide valuable insight into how and when healthcare providers may be able to assist patients to manage mask anxiety. Recommendations include increased communication from health care providers; delivery of visual information to improve patient preparedness; exposure/opportunities to interact with the masks prior to treatment commencing and increased control of music/soundtrack selection. However, a limitation of this study is the small sample size and further research is warranted.

Funder

Hunter Cancer Research Alliance

Publisher

Wiley

Subject

Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and imaging,Radiological and Ultrasound Technology

Cited by 5 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3