Exploring the Psychosocial Support and Education Needs of People Diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer, and the Health Professionals Who Care for Them

Abstract

The aims of the study were to understand the unmet psychosocial education and support needs of people diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and to identify the educational and communication skills needs of their health professionals. Using an exploratory qualitative research design and social constructionist interpretive framework, findings include the vicarious trauma of health professionals, patients' trauma due to altered appearance, communication inhibitors and promoters, and survivors' return to meaningful activities which foster post-traumatic growth.