Abstract
To describe post-traumatic distress and identify associated factors in patients with head and neck cancer-related tracheostomy and their family caregivers. This observational study assessed 22 patients with surgically managed head and neck cancer-related tracheostomy and 17 family caregivers at a comprehensive cancer center. Instruments included the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression 6a Short Form scale. Post-traumatic distress related to tracheostomy and general depression in patients and family caregivers was highly prevalent. An increased level of physical symptoms was moderately correlated with higher levels of post-traumatic distress. Patients who experienced higher symptom burden may also suffer from post-traumatic distress related to tracheostomy. Oncology nurses can implement post-traumatic distress screening in patients and their family caregivers.
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