Commencement of an allied health led, pre-radiation treatment group education session for head and neck cancer patients and carers — ASN Events
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Commencement of an allied health led, pre-radiation treatment group education session for head and neck cancer patients and carers (#433)

Jessica Abbott 1 , Sallyanne Scudamore 1 , Tara Redemski 1 , Kate Hudson 1 , Nicole Rampton 1 , Dean Vuksanovic 1
  1. Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, QLD, Australia

In 2014, a new public radiation oncology service was established at the Gold Coast University Hospital. To support the service, a multidisciplinary allied health team was recruited consisting of a Speech Pathologist, Dietitian, Social Worker, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist and Clinical Psychologist.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients have known high rates of malnutrition, psychosocial morbidity and interrelated physical problems, including speech and swallowing difficulties, lymphoedema, musculoskeletal dysfunction and fatigue1. Multidisciplinary management is essential in the provision of best practice care. Information needs in this population are high, which poses challenges for practitioners aiming to provide an efficient and effective service that targets patient needs. The literature supports patient education prior to radiotherapy, demonstrating benefits including improved decision making, compliance, self-efficacy and reduced anxiety2,3.  Current literature also indicates that patients report a deficit in pre-treatment information regarding side-effects of treatment, how treatment may impact quality of life and how to access financial support 4.

State-wide benchmarking revealed the majority of pre-treatment education focussed on treatment side-effects pertaining to oral intake and nutrition. Our allied health team identified an opportunity to expand on existing education models to address information deficits reported in the literature. The multidisciplinary team collaboratively developed a 90 minute presentation which introduces the role of each team member, addresses strategies for the prevention and management of treatment side-effects, lymphoedema, musculoskeletal dysfunction, fatigue and practical social and psychological needs. Patients also receive a written information package, which includes information on how to access individual services. All HNC patients and carers are invited to attend prior to commencing treatment.

Consumer and staff feedback and attendance records are being collected for future analysis. It is expected that the pre-treatment education session will improve patient outcomes in the HNC population, in addition to enhancing efficacy and reducing the demand for individualised treatment sessions.

  1. Findlay, M., Bauer, J., Brown, T., & Head and Neck Guideline Steering Committee. (2014). Evidence-based practice guidelines for the nutritional management of adult patients with head and neck cancer. Retrieved August 11th 2014, from http://wiki.cancer.org.au/australia/COSA:Head_and_neck_cancer_nutrition_guidelines
  2. Canil, T., Cashell, A., Papadakos, J., Abdelmutti, N., & Friedman, A. (2012). Evaluation of the Effects of Pre-Treatment Education on Self-Efficacy and Anxiety in Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy: A Pilot Study. Journal Of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences, 43(4), 221-227. doi:10.1016/j.jmir.2012.05.002
  3. Morley, L. L., McAndrew, A. A., Tse, K. K., Rakaric, P. P., Cummings, B. B., & Cashell, A. A. (2013). Patient and Staff Assessment of an Audiovisual Education Tool for Head and Neck Radiation Therapy. Journal Of Cancer Education, 28(3), 474-480
  4. Llewellyn, C. D., McGurk, M. M., & Weinman, J. J. (2006). How satisfied are head and neck cancer (HNC) patients with the information they receive pre-treatment? Results from the satisfaction with cancer information profile (SCIP). Oral Oncology, (7), 726. doi:10.1016/j.oraloncology.2005.11.013
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