Development of a CBT intervention for dysphagia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Model development of a cognitive behaviour therapy intervention for swallowing problems in head and neck cancer
IRAS ID
131817
Contact name
Jo Patterson
Contact email
Research summary
Survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) are faced with major post-treatment challenges and changes to lifestyle. HNC treatment has a substantial impact on basic functions, the most common being difficulties with eating and drinking. Evidence for speech and language therapy interventions in this population has largely focused on exercises to increase the movement of the swallowing mechanism. HNC swallowing problems(dysphagia) are best understood as a multifactorial symptom, involving both biological and psychological processes. In the post-treatment period, how patients react to their dysphagia cognitively, emotionally, behaviorally, and physiologically may serve to perpetuate poor eating and drinking performance. Caring for a partner with dysphagia is time consuming and has a major psychosocial impact. It not only involves managing the physical swallowing difficulties but impacts on social activities such as participation in shared meals, and permanent lifestyle changes. Certainly, dysphagic patients seem to benefit from being cared for by their families. Little is understood about the cognitive, emotional and behavioural response of carers of HNC patients with dysphagia. They play a highly important part in managing their partner’s eating and drinking problems and their input needs to be considered in developing interventions for this problem.
This study is the first step in developing a model for a cognitive behavioural therapy intervention to enhance speech and language therapy usual care. It is preliminary intervention development work, using focus groups for a structured exploration of patients’ and carers’ experiences of the psychosocial impact of dysphagia. Post-treatment HNC patients who have swallowing difficulties and their carers are eligible for the study. Patients will be recruited from HNC centres at Sunderland and Newcastle. Participants will be asked to attend one focus group lasting between 1-2 hours. The discussion will be led by Jo Patterson, a Macmillan Speech and Language Therapist.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NE/0206
Date of REC Opinion
12 Aug 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion