What are people's experiences of post surgical swallow therapy?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What are the experiences of people who have received swallow therapy following surgical treatment of head and neck cancer?
IRAS ID
164120
Contact name
Camilla Dawson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 2 days
Research summary
This study will explore people's experiences of swallow therapy following surgical treatment of head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer, and surgical treatment for the cancer can cause damage to the muscles of the mouth and throat required for safe and effective swallowing. The Speech and Language Therapist provides swallow therapy, to improve swallow competence and to support and help people adapt to the effects of surgical treatment. There is no ‘gold standard’ approach to swallow therapy, and no studies which explain what approach to swallow therapy may work best when people have undergone surgery. Evidence suggests that Speech and Language Therapists in the UK provide different quality and quantities of swallow therapy, which is likely to cause variations in swallow outcomes. In order to develop an effective swallow therapy model, this study will ask people who have received swallow therapy after surgery what their experience was. The study aims to uncover which parts of the therapy were important and supported the recovery process, as well as exploring whether the therapy should be changed or developed to improve swallow outcomes. The findings of the study will provide important information around how swallow therapy should be delivered, using the perspective of the person undergoing the treatment. This will enable Speech and Language Therapists improve swallow outcomes, and the quality of life of people with head and neck cancer.
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1955
Date of REC Opinion
30 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion