Exploring the Acceptability of Behavioral Swallowing Interventions for Head and Neck Cancer Patients During Radiotherapy: A Qualitative Study of Patients' Experience.
Beatrice Manduchi, Margaret I Fitch, Jolie G Ringash, Doris Howell, Katherine A Hutcheson, Rosemary Martino
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The PRO-ACTIVE randomized clinical trial offers 3 swallowing therapies to Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients during radiotherapy namely: reactive, proactive low- ("EAT-RT" only), and high-intensity ("EAT-RT + exercises"). Understanding the perceived acceptability of these interventions is important to inform eventual implementation into clinical practice. This study explored patients' perspectives using qualitative methodology. At 2 Canadian PRO-ACTIVE trial sites, 24 trial participants were recruited for individual semi-structured interviews, representing each of the 3 trial arms. Data collection and thematic analysis were guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA). Member checking was conducted through follow-up focus groups. Seven themes were derived reflecting the TFA constructs. Overall, regardless of trial arm, patients reported a positive experience with therapy. Patients identified benefits of EAT-RT therapy, reporting that it provided meaningful feedback on diet progress and supported goal setting for oral intake. Patients who received proactive therapies valued the opportunity to set expectations early, build mealtime routine iteratively over time, and have an extended engagement with the SLP. Regardless of trial arm, patients agreed proactive therapy aligned with what they think is best and that therapy intensity should accommodate individual needs. This study identified the value to HNC patients of receiving swallowing interventions during RT and setting realistic expectations around swallowing. Compared to reactive care, proactive therapies were perceived helpful in consolidating habits early, establishing realistic expectations around swallowing and building an extended rapport with the SLP. These findings will inform the implementation of proactive versus reactive swallowing therapies in clinical practice.
期刊介绍:
Dysphagia aims to serve as a voice for the benefit of the patient. The journal is devoted exclusively to swallowing and its disorders. The purpose of the journal is to provide a source of information to the flourishing dysphagia community. Over the past years, the field of dysphagia has grown rapidly, and the community of dysphagia researchers have galvanized with ambition to represent dysphagia patients. In addition to covering a myriad of disciplines in medicine and speech pathology, the following topics are also covered, but are not limited to: bio-engineering, deglutition, esophageal motility, immunology, and neuro-gastroenterology. The journal aims to foster a growing need for further dysphagia investigation, to disseminate knowledge through research, and to stimulate communication among interested professionals. The journal publishes original papers, technical and instrumental notes, letters to the editor, and review articles.