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[Coping strategies in laryngectomy patients]
M Schuster1, U Hoppe, P Kummer
1Abteilung für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie,Klinikum der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen.
HNO
|April 12, 2003
Summary
Patients with head and neck cancer who underwent laryngectomy and voice prosthesis rehabilitation reported high satisfaction. Their coping strategies for managing illness did not differ from other severe disease groups.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Psychology
Context:
- Treatment paradigms for cancer patients increasingly focus on quality of life alongside survival.
- Research on coping strategies for head and neck cancer patients remains limited.
- Laryngectomy significantly impacts patients' lives, necessitating effective rehabilitation.
Purpose:
- To investigate coping strategies and life adjustments in laryngectomees with restored voice function.
- To assess the effectiveness of the Trier Scales of Coping Strategies in this patient population.
- To determine if communication limitations uniquely influence coping mechanisms.
Summary:
- A study of 25 laryngectomees with successful voice prosthesis use revealed high patient contentment despite functional restrictions.
- Voice restoration was generally well-tolerated; psychosocial challenges were more related to pain and eating difficulties.
- No significant correlation was found between patients' experiences and their coping strategies, nor did their strategies differ from patients with other severe illnesses.
Impact:
- The Trier Scales of Coping Strategies are validated for assessing laryngectomees' coping mechanisms.
- Findings suggest that communication limitations are not a primary determinant of coping in these patients.
- Results inform the planning of psychological and social rehabilitation, including psychosomatic interventions.