Faculty of Health, Edge Hill University, Lancashire, UK.
J Clin Nurs. 2012 Sep;21(17-18):2499-508. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04162.x. Epub 2012 Jul 12.
This paper reports the experiences of former patients who have undergone a range of head and neck cancer treatments and their perceptions of the changes in intimacy experienced, as an individual and through their relationships with partners, family and friends.
A diagnosis of head and neck cancer, subsequent surgical treatment and radiotherapy can lead to an altered quality of life. Whilst important developments have been made to improve the quality of life for this patient group from a functional perspective, psychosocial perspectives are much less understood.
A qualitative study approach.
Data were collected in 2007/2008 via interview using open-ended questions from a purposive sample of 16 participants who were at least one year post-treatment. A thematic analysis was employed to interpret the findings.
Analysis of the data produced three broad themes. These were 'personal identity', 're-establishing social networks' and 'intimate relationships' and explored the person as an individual and their perceived changes to self-esteem and image. The perception of their altered position in society, the impact this has on their willingness to re-engage with society and the degree to which treatment can alter an individual's ability to resume former intimate relationships with family and partners.
Patients' definitions of intimacy are multifaceted and related directly to the type of relationship that existed prior to treatment. The concerns and challenges faced by patients need to be addressed and support opportunities considered as part of the rehabilitation process.
The paper gives insight for nurses and other healthcare professionals who are expected to provide effective emotional and therapeutic support for patients who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancer. Understanding of patient concerns and recognition of adaptive and coping strategies are essential for this practice.
本文报告了经历过一系列头颈部癌症治疗的前患者的经验，以及他们对个人和与伴侣、家人和朋友关系中所经历的亲密关系变化的看法。
头颈部癌症的诊断、随后的手术治疗和放射治疗可能导致生活质量下降。虽然从功能角度来看，已经为改善这群患者的生活质量做出了重要的发展，但对社会心理方面的理解要少得多。
定性研究方法。
2007/2008 年通过访谈从一个有目的的样本中收集了数据，该样本由 16 名参与者组成，他们至少在治疗后一年。采用主题分析来解释研究结果。
数据分析产生了三个广泛的主题。这些主题是“个人身份”、“重新建立社交网络”和“亲密关系”，探讨了个人作为个体以及他们对自尊和形象的感知变化。他们对自己在社会中地位改变的看法，这对他们重新融入社会的意愿的影响，以及治疗对个人恢复与家人和伴侣以前亲密关系的能力的影响。
患者对亲密关系的定义是多方面的，直接与治疗前存在的关系类型有关。需要解决患者面临的问题和挑战，并考虑提供支持机会，作为康复过程的一部分。
本文为护士和其他医疗保健专业人员提供了深入了解，他们预计将为接受头颈部癌症治疗的患者提供有效的情感和治疗支持。了解患者的关注问题并认识到适应和应对策略对于这种实践至关重要。
