Treatment Adherence in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy: Challenges for Nursing

Abstract

Supporting and encouraging patients to adhere to their chosen treatment protocol is a constant challenge for nurses and other healthcare providers. In order to achieve optimal adherence, nurses must be aware of the many challenges facing their patients. This article seeks to provide nurses in the radiation settings with a review of these challenges as they relate to head and neck cancer patients. It focuses on defining the treatment-related side effects and possible nursing interventions aimed at improving patient adherence and, therefore, increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes. Adherence to treatment in the head and neck population has received little attention in the literature but the work that has been done identifies many challenges related to treatment and its side effects, the disease process, and individual patient-related challenges. This article reviews the importance of evaluating patient understanding of the importance of adherence, the physical and economic barriers to adherence and the need for effective symptom management in the successful, timely completion of treatment. It also stresses the pivotal role of nursing in the issue of adherence. By identifying these issues, nurses can better prepare patients for the treatment experience. Lastly, it stresses to need for a greater understanding of this phenomenon in order to improve adherence and future outcomes for this patient population.