A support nurse may strengthen the participation of patients with low socio-economic status in treatment pathways of head and neck cancer: A theory-based evaluation.

Publisher: Blackwell Scientific Publications Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 7609811 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1365-2648 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 03092402 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Adv Nurs Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: Oxford : Blackwell Scientific Publications
Original Publication: Oxford, Blackwell.

Economic Status* ; Head and Neck Neoplasms*/radiotherapy; Female ; Humans ; Social Class ; Health Personnel

Aim: To test and evaluate a support nurse intervention within the head and neck cancer (HNC) pathway.
Background: Even though interventions aiming to support patients with a low socio-economic status have been a focus for development and implementation in several countries, research still shows that these patients often have unmet needs and encounter challenges in communicating with health professionals during their treatment pathways. Furthermore, support interventions are few in Denmark and none of the existing interventions target patients with HNC receiving radiation therapy of whom the majority have a low socio-economic status and therefore potentially carry a high risk of being challenged during their treatment pathways.
Design: A theory-based evaluation was used as framework. A support nurse intervention was designed to offer patients with a low socio-economic status help and support in the initial part of the HNC pathway. Eleven patients were included in the trial period.
Methods: The evaluation of the intervention was based on interviews, a questionnaire survey and field notes.
Results: The expected outputs were achieved, thus: (1) the patients felt supported and assisted, (2) the support nurse was capable of supporting, helping and accompanying the patients, (3) the patients were informed as relevant and understood the information provided. Unexpected outputs were that the support nurse was capable of co-ordinating the pathway in line with the patient's needs and that she facilitated the interaction between patients and health professionals.
Conclusions: Support for patients with a low socio-economic status improves their ability to engage in their cancer treatment pathway. This, in turn, increases their preparedness for participation and, hence, strengthens their choice of treatment.
Reporting Method: This study is reported using consolidated guideline for reporting interventions Template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR checklist). We used theory-based evaluation as described by Peter Dahler-Larsen.
Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.
(© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

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2023-0009 Harboefonden; 300.106-012 Karen A. Tolstrups Fond; Mylius-Holstein-Rathlouske Legat; A907 Region Sjaelland

Keywords: head and neck cancer; intervention; patients with low socio-economic status; support nurse; theory-based evaluation

Date Created: 20230803 Date Completed: 20231110 Latest Revision: 20231110

20250114

10.1111/jan.15816

37534733