Psychosocial Adjustments after Advanced Laryngeal Cancer Treatment – A Systematic Review

Abstract

Psychosocial adjustments are alterations needed by a person after a life-altering event. The present review explored the psychosocial adjustments after advanced laryngeal cancer treatment. Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed and Scopus were searched. Two hundred and three hits, after the three-stage screening, 13 articles were included. Mixed methods appraisal tool was used to perform the quality appraisal. The findings from 1109 laryngeal cancer survivors and 154 spouses of total laryngectomy patients helped to identify the barriers and coping mechanism toward psychosocial adjustments. The barriers included reactions of spouse or family members, effect of voice, communication and speech intelligibility and work and family relationships. The coping was enhanced with a better awareness, motivation and support system. These findings would help in improving the training programs and enhance the pre- and post-treatment counselling based on the priorities and demands of the patient.