Background: Total laryngectomy leads to significant anatomical and functional changes for the person with laryngeal cancer including changes to breathing, communication and swallowing. The impact of this surgery can have a significant effect on the person’s quality of life and social life. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of total laryngectomy on a person’s day to day life with a focus on navigating the healthcare system.
Method: Qualitative information was gathered during a ‘lunch and learn’ session where people with laryngectomies spoke to a group of Health and Social Care Professionals about the impact their surgery has had on their lives with a specific focus on their hospital journey and experiences they have had while navigating the healthcare system post their surgery. Written submissions were also presented on the day and these have been included in this study. Themes were then identified and analysed.
Results: There were five themes identified: 1. ‘adapting to being voiceless, 2. ‘social isolation’ 3. ‘the importance of support’, 4. ‘an unmet need for counselling/therapy’, and 5. ‘challenges with equipment orders’.
Conclusions: This study identified that patient’s experience post total laryngectomy surgery are very individual and the level of support each person may need is varied. Areas of possible improvement have been identified. Further research is required in this area to get a better understanding of the difficulties that a person with a laryngectomy meets when navigating the healthcare system in Ireland and what we can do to make our service more accessible.
Michelle Conheady1, Eimear Hannigan1, Ruth Mulcahy1, Sile Murphy1, Teresa Hanevy1
1 Department of Speech & Language Therapy, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork