Communication needs, methods, and perceived voice quality head and neck surgery: a literature review

Patients with head and neck cancer experience complex and frustrating communication problems after surgery, yet patient communication during the in-hospital postoperative period has received relatively little attention in clinical and research literature. A computerized and hand search of the medical (MEDLINE, Cancerlit), psychological (health and psychosocial instruments), and nursing (CINAHL) literature (1968 to August, 2001) produced 10 published studies and 1 clinical case report specifically addressing the communication needs, methods, or perceived voice quality of patients with head and neck cancer during the postoperative period (3 days to 19 months). This review presents a summary and critique of research and related literature on in-hospital postoperative communication with adult patients who have head and neck cancer. Four major themes are addressed: 1) information needs, 2) communication methods and perceived voice quality, 3) adjustment and adaptation to communication impairment, and 4) quality-of-life perceptions related to communication and socialization. This review shows that the communication needs, communication methods, and perception of voice quality among patients with head and neck cancer have been ignored during the in-hospital period. Clinical issues and technological advancements in augmentative and alternative communication applicable to the in-hospital period are discussed, and research implications are presented.