Support following total laryngectomy: Exploring the concept from different perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Qualitative Health Research

Background:

• Adjustment after total laryngectomy (TL) is complex, with extensive support needs.
• Current quality of life measures often lack patient perspectives post-surgery.
• Understanding diverse viewpoints is crucial for improving post-TL care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted support needs of individuals with a laryngectomy (IWL).
• To examine the perspectives of IWL, significant others (SO), and health professionals (HP) on post-TL adjustment.
• To identify key factors influencing care, safety, and dignity for IWL.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 28 participants (IWL, SO, HP).
• Data collected via in-depth, semi-structured interviews.
• Analysis using constructivist grounded theory and symbolic interactionism.

Main Results:

• "Being supported to develop competence and resilience" emerged as a multidimensional, nonlinear construct.
• Key interactive processes include "perceiving influencing factors," "building trusting relationships," and "sharing and balancing the care."
• The care triad (IWL, SO, HP) significantly influences care, safety, and dignity; competence among all stakeholders optimizes support.

Conclusions:

• Effective support post-total laryngectomy hinges on a collaborative "care triad" approach.
• Building competence and resilience requires trust and shared care responsibilities.
• Ensuring all triad members are competent in care delivery is vital to prevent increased burden and optimize patient outcomes.