Quality of life for maxillectomy patients with prosthetic obturators
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the long-term rehabilitation needs and quality of life issues for patients with maxillary obturators following resective surgery for head and neck cancer.
IRAS ID
201767
Contact name
Gerry McKenna
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queens University Belfast
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
This study aims to recruit a sample of head and neck cancer patients who have been provided with a removable mouth prosthesis (obturator) following surgical removal of a tumour within the upper jaw. Surgical removal of part or all of the upper jaw (maxillectomy) can result in severe facial disfigurement and affect basic functions such as eating, speech and swallowing. An obturator can help to restore both appearance and function, improving quality of life. Little is known, however, about the impact of surgery and subsequent treatment from the individual patient’s perspective. This study aims to address this issue. Potential participants will be sourced from a local head and neck cancer registry. They will be invited to participate by letter. A trained researcher will conduct one-to-one interviews with participants in their own home or other convenient place at their request. Participants will be asked about their preparedness for surgery, subsequent changes and challenges faced in their daily life, factors that facilitated or impeded adjustment, and their perceived rehabilitation needs over time. It will take approximately 1.5 hours of their time. Responses will then be analysed and the results published to inform this under-researched area.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0292
Date of REC Opinion
23 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion