Psychosocial care of patients with head and neck cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the psychosocial challenges experienced by individuals with head and neck cancer and their family caregivers and discuss future research opportunities in the areas of psychosocial nursing care for this patient population.


METHODS
Published research articles, abstracts, book chapters, literature reviews.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with head and neck cancer experience profound functional and visible changes as a result of the disease and treatment. Such changes have a significant psychosocial impact on these patients and their families. A rehabilitative approach within a palliative framework of care is necessary to adequately meet the complex needs of these patients and their families.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses are in a key position to provide support to patients with head and neck cancer and their families. Nurses need to recognize the significant psychosocial challenges that individuals with head and neck cancer face, and should be encouraged to integrate psychosocial screening, assessment, and intervention into the overall plan of care.
Penner
Jamie L
JL
Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. jamie.penner@mcgill.ca
D001828:Body Image; D004326:Drinking; D004435:Eating; D004651:Employment; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010166:Palliative Care; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D013060:Speech