Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 12A, Gothenburg, 413 90, Sweden.
Department of Orofacial Pain, Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
BMC Oral Health. 2023 Sep 5;23(1):641. doi: 10.1186/s12903-023-03366-4.
This study aimed to increase the understanding of emotions and coping strategies used by head and neck cancer patients before cancer treatment, and to explore their emotions and coping strategies in relation to symptoms and side effects after treatment. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the patients' perceptions of received treatment and support.
Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 patients who had been treated for head and neck cancer, which included radiotherapy, at the Department of Oncology and the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg. The interviews were analyzed in accordance with the method for Qualitative Content Analysis.
The result picture revealed three head themes. The first theme "Management of simultaneously influencing mind-sets before cancer treatment" described the patients experiences of feeling "Scared and worried," "Lonely and disappointed," and "Relieved and confident", and how they tried to handle the diagnosis and preparations for treatment by "Applying a positive mind-set", "Searching for support," and "Trusting the healthcare system". The second theme "Experiences of becoming a pale shadow of oneself", illustrated experiences of affecting post-treatment symptoms and side effects. To which, the last theme "Handling contextual influencing experiences after cancer treatment" displayed post-treatment emotions of being "Shocked and disappointed" and "Concerned and unsupported" but also "Grateful and forward-thinking", where strategies such as "Appreciating Life", "Networking socially," and "Adapting to the new life" were used.
The results indicated the need for a more patient-centered care approach, with clearer structures and improved individual support both before and after treatment and in connection to rehabilitation. Patients' cognitive changes after cancer treatment should be considered in the aftercare, which should also include adaptation to situation and strengthening of patients' self-management as a goal.
本研究旨在增进人们对头颈部癌症患者在癌症治疗前的情绪和应对策略的理解，并探讨他们在治疗后与症状和副作用相关的情绪和应对策略。此外，我们还旨在调查患者对所接受治疗和支持的看法。
对在哥德堡萨尔格伦斯卡大学医院肿瘤学部和口腔颌面外科接受过放疗的 10 名头颈部癌症患者进行了半结构式深入访谈。访谈内容根据定性内容分析法进行分析。
结果图揭示了三个主题。第一个主题“在癌症治疗前同时管理心态”描述了患者感到“恐惧和担忧”、“孤独和失望”和“放松和自信”的经历，以及他们如何通过“保持积极的心态”、“寻求支持”和“信任医疗保健系统”来应对诊断和治疗准备。第二个主题“成为自己苍白影子的体验”说明了影响治疗后症状和副作用的体验。最后一个主题“处理癌症治疗后的情境影响体验”则显示了治疗后的情绪，如“震惊和失望”、“担忧和缺乏支持”，但也有“感激和向前看”，患者采用了“欣赏生活”、“社交网络”和“适应新生活”等策略。
研究结果表明，需要采取更以患者为中心的护理方法，在治疗前后以及与康复相关的方面，提供更清晰的结构和更好的个体支持。在后续护理中，应考虑患者在癌症治疗后的认知变化，这应包括适应情况和加强患者的自我管理作为目标。
