Background
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are a diverse group of cancers that affect the upper aerodigestive tract. Treatment of HNCs is intensive, with patients requiring significant support from their healthcare team post-treatment. To streamline post-discharge care, the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse (COBL) implemented a routine nurse-led post-discharge phone call after surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability of this phone call to HNC patients post-discharge.
Methods
Patients who had surgery for HNC from April to July 2024 were identified from an electronic database at COBL within 24 to 48 hours following their discharge from hospital. Eligible patients were contacted by the HNC nurse specialist and asked about their post-discharge care and concerns. At the end of each phone call, patients were asked to complete an online survey on acceptability of the follow-up phone call. The survey comprised four questions, with a scale from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5), analysed descriptively. One open-ended question asked participants about their phone call experience, assessed using content analysis methodology.
Results
The majority of participants were male (63%) and lived in a metro area (58%), with the average age 60 years. Most participants strongly agreed that the follow-up call was useful (71%) and addressed their needs (67%). Participants also felt strongly supported by the nurse specialist during the follow-up call (73%). Of the 42 participants who experienced a problem following discharge, the majority knew who to contact (83%). Content analysis revealed participants found benefit in the phone call as an opportunity to ask questions and provide reassurance. Some commented they would continue to find benefit in repeat phone calls.
Conclusion
HNC patients found a routine nurse-led follow-up phone call acceptable and useful, providing comfort and reassurance. This study establishes a need for a phone call post-discharge following HNC surgery.