Evaluation of a nurse-led aftercare intervention for patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy and cisplatin or cetuximab

BACKGROUND: The supportive needs for head and neck cancer (HNC) patients during the vulnerable period after treatment are not always met. Therefore, more professional support regarding physical, social and psychological care as well as lifestyle is recommended. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of a nurse-led aftercare intervention to support patients recovering from HNC treatment. METHODS: Intervention group (IG) participants received two extra consultations from a nurse practitioner three and nine months after treatment for HNC. A holistic conversational tool, the Self-Management Web, was developed to guide the nurse through the conversation. Primary outcomes were health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and quality of patient-centered care. A secondary outcome was self-management skills. RESULTS: 27 patients were included in the IG and 28 in the control group (CG). Differences in HRQoL and self-management between the IG and CG were not statistically significant. For the IG, all domains of the Self-Management Web were perceived important and addressed by the nurse practitioner. CONCLUSION: This holistic nurse-led aftercare intervention was highly appreciated by HNC patients. Though the intervention met the need for support in recovery after treatment, it did not improve HRQoL or self-management skills. IMPLICATIONS OF PRACTICE: For both nurses and patients the intervention is feasible and acceptable in daily practice. Self-management support for patients after their cancer treatment is of added value and has potential to improve the quality of regular follow-up care.