title: A Self-Regulatory Intervention for Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: Pilot Randomized Trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research is yet to investigate whether psychological interventions delivered early after diagnosis can benefit patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a brief self-regulatory intervention (targeting illness perceptions and coping) at improving HNC patient health-related quality of life (HRQL).
  
  
  METHODS
  A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted, in which 64 patients were assigned to receive three sessions with a health psychologist in addition to standard care or standard care alone. Participants completed questionnaires assessing HRQL, general distress, and illness perceptions at baseline and again 3 and 6 months later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared to the control group, patients who received the intervention had increased treatment control perceptions at 3 months (p = .01), and increased social quality of life at 6 months (p = .01). The intervention was particularly helpful for patients exhibiting distress at baseline.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A brief psychological intervention following HNC diagnosis can improve patient perceptions of treatment and social quality of life over time. Such interventions could be targeted to patients who are distressed in order to confer the greatest benefit.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  12614000813684.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Amy E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Geraldine
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tennant
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Randall P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland, 1142, New Zealand. e.broadbent@auckland.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Broadbent
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D000068356:Self-Control / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: Head and neck cancer (HNC); Health-related quality of life (HRQL); Illness perceptions; Intervention; Randomized controlled trial