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Health advisor facilitated mouth care regime for patients with head and neck cancers undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 July 2015

J. Stringer ,
R. Knowles ,
C. Finchett ,
P. Mackereth ,
J. Mannan  and
N. Slevin
J. Stringer
Affiliation:
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Withington, Manchester, UK
R. Knowles*
Affiliation:
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Withington, Manchester, UK
C. Finchett
Affiliation:
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Withington, Manchester, UK
P. Mackereth
Affiliation:
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Withington, Manchester, UK
J. Mannan
Affiliation:
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Withington, Manchester, UK
N. Slevin
Affiliation:
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Withington, Manchester, UK
*
Correspondence to: Rebecca Knowles, Complementary Therapy Department, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, 550 Wilmslow Road, Withington, Manchester, Greater Manchester M20 4BX, UK. Tel: 0161 918 7027. Fax: 0161 446 3940. E-mail: rebecca.knowles@christie.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Aim

To develop a regime of care for patients with head and neck cancers undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), with the support of a health advisor (HA) and temporary access to the mouth care product Caphosol™.

Materials and methods

A HA was temporarily employed to assess, monitor and refer patients as appropriate and ensure patients received and utilised supplies of Caphosol™. A retrospective audit was undertaken to provide a gap analysis of current service. The data were used to develop a pro forma for documenting assessments and monitoring lifestyle factors for IMRT patients. Assessments referrals and compliance, plus hospital admissions owing to treatment-related issues, were documented during the baseline audit and the temporary HA service and provision of Caphosol™.

Results

The presence of a HA facilitated 100% compliance with appropriate assessments, referrals and adherence to treatment. The data suggests that the additional provision of Caphosol™ may have reduced levels of mucositis and associated pain.

Conclusion

It is recommended that a HA role be established within radiotherapy departments to facilitate lifestyle assessments, referrals and compliance with positive behaviour changes (e.g., stopping smoking). The use of Caphosol™ as a routine part of mouth care regime for IMRT patients also warrants further investigation.

Keywords

head and neckintensity-modulated radiotherapymouth carenasaloral
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , December 2015 , pp. 353 - 361
Copyright
© Cambridge University Press 2015 

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