Communication needs of nonspeaking hospitalized postoperative patients with head and neck cancer

Treatment of head and neck cancers is often associated with temporary or permanent speech impairments, limiting patients' ability to self-report critical information during the acute care hospitalization period after surgery. Eleven patients unable to speak after head and neck cancer surgery, eight family caregivers, and eight RNs were included in this descriptive pilot study. All participants completed a researcher-developed 5-item survey (from their perspectives) consisting of questions that explored patients' difficulty in communicating, difficult topics to communicate, and individuals with whom patients had difficulty communicating. Study findings emphasized the importance that patients, family caregivers, and nurse assign to the communication of symptoms experienced during the acute postoperative period. In addition, the RN was identified as the health care team member with whom patients had the most communication difficulties. Findings support the participation of patients, family caregivers, and nurses in the selection and implementation of interventions that enhance communication after surgery.