Management of dysphagia in advanced oropharyngeal cancer.
Individuals with advanced oropharyngeal cancer often experience dysphagia as a result of their illness and its treatment. Research consistently demonstrates that dysphagia and difficulty with oral intake have many implications, including a negative impact on quality of life. Nurses are in a key position to provide support and initiate appropriate interventions for individuals with dysphagia. Using the Human Response to Illness model (Mitchell et al, 1991) as an organising framework, this paper presents a critical review of the empirical literature regarding dysphagia in individuals with advanced oropharyngeal cancer that will: i) provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of dysphagia; ii) identify current gaps in our knowledge; and iii) establish the foundation for appropriate evidence-based interventions to optimise functioning and quality of life in this patient population.
Penner
Jamie L
JL
University of Manitoba, Manitoba, Canada. Jamie_Penner@cc.umanitoba.ca
McClement
Susan E
SE
Sawatzky
Jo-Ann V
JA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008365:Manometry; D016294:Models, Nursing; D008960:Models, Psychological; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D014743:Videotape Recording