Impact of a person-centered intervention for patients with head and neck cancer: a qualitative exploration

People affected by head and neck cancer (HNC) experience a variety of multifaceted health-related problems during the treatment process, based on both the disease and side effects, several years after the treatment is complete. This study investigated a person-centred intervention using transition theory as a framework.

Thus, the aim of the present study was to explore patients' experience of the transition and person centred care from diagnosis to the end of the treatment period.

Interviews were conducted with 12 persons included in the person-centred intervention group. The patients were recruited from a randomised controlled study. We used a directed deductive content analysis as an analysis method.

There was a distinct transition between being a healthy person to being diagnosed with a serious disease. The majority of the participants felt that the diagnosis had put their lives in the balance; they felt both healthy and sick at the same time, and all participants described that their symptoms and side effects were the worst possible and totally unexpected. Of great importance was the health-care plan, comprising self-management goals which were formed in partnership between the patient and the nurse. The participants experienced that their interaction and engagement with lay persons and healthcare professionals supported a gradual acceptance of the situation and a sense of relief with a kind of awareness of the disease.

The intervention played a significant role in promoting a healthy transition. Person-centredness and transition theory can help healthcare professionals to be more confident and resourceful in supporting people affected by HNC.