The experience of patients diagnosed and treated for head and neck cancer.

Reid, Katherine Jane (2013). The experience of patients diagnosed and treated for head and neck cancer. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Head and neck cancer (H&NC) and its possible treatment options are diverse and multifaceted. This thesis demonstrates these complexities and describes three studies that have used different methodological approaches to include, rather than overlook these aspects.

The first established which aspects of patients’ experiences are overlooked if health care professionals rely upon health related quality of life questionnaires to represent the experience of patients.

The second identified that the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) working with the patients use humane judgement, not technical expertise, to predict patients’ symptoms pre treatment.

The third, with reference to the previous two, used Q-Methodology to explore the experience of H&NC patients during and after their treatment. Five interpretations were identified:

• Meaning and attachment to illness
• Overwhelmed by the disease
• Change and recovery
• Surviving or not
• Keep control- for the greater good of others

This unique study has developed a framework through which the MDT can start to translate H&NC patients’ experiences and help enable them to influence their care directly. It also suggests ways in which the framework can be applied to the clinical environment.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):