Laryngectomy education & training package for community healthcare v1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of an education and training package for community healthcare professionals working with laryngectomy patients and their families
IRAS ID
335181
Contact name
Laura Jayne Watson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
This research will explore how people who have had their voice-boxes removed by surgery (laryngectomy) and their families experience community healthcare services. I intend to design an education and training package (ETP) for community professionals. The aim is to improve understanding and skills community professionals have about laryngectomy, to improve patient safety and experience at home.
Laryngeal cancer (cancer of the voice-box) is one of the most common head and neck cancers (HNC) in the UK. Approximately 2,300 people are diagnosed with laryngeal cancer every year. Approximately half of people with advanced laryngeal cancers have surgery. Surgery will include laryngectomy.
There is a growing interest in ‘enhanced recovery after surgery’ (ERAS) in laryngectomy. ERAS aims to get people out of hospital sooner. But patients often need support after leaving hospital. They have to cope with many changes including learning new ways of speaking and breathing through a hole in their neck. These changes are often challenging and frightening for them and their families. No thought has been given to how community services should and would provide support for people at home.
Healthcare at home is often provided by general services e.g., GPs. These professionals may not have specialist laryngectomy skills/training. Without the right support, there is a risk of catastrophic consequences, including life-threatening problems with breathing.
There will be three parts to the research over three years:1. A review of the available laryngectomy ETP’s to see what is available for healthcare professionals.
2. Interviews with laryngectomy patients and family members who are back in the community after surgery. Patients and family members will be recruited from up to three head and neck centres.
3. Workshops with patients, family members and healthcare professionals. We will work together to develop a prototype community ETP. Recruitment will be national.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/YH/0074
Date of REC Opinion
18 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion