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Feasibility of EASE: a psychosocial program to improve symptom management in head and neck cancer patients

Supportive Care in Cancer volume 21, pages 191–200 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients experience multiple physical and psychosocial symptoms associated with their cancer treatment. The Easing and Alleviating Symptoms during Treatment (EASE) study utilized a mixed methods design to examine the feasibility of a tailored telephone-based coping and stress management intervention to improve symptom management and psychosocial care among HNC patients.

Methods

An Embedded Correlational Mixed Methods Design was utilized to answer two research questions: (1) is the EASE intervention feasible? and (2) Did EASE participants report improvements in psychosocial outcomes after completion of the EASE intervention? HNC patients were assessed at baseline and 3 months. Psychosocial measures included cancer-specific distress, pain, social support, and quality of life. Project records and exit interviews were conducted to assess acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 60 years (SD = 9.5), 76 % were male, 47 % married/partnered, and 57 % had a history of tobacco use. Of the 24 participants who were enrolled, 16 completed the intervention. Participants and telephone counselors reported high levels of satisfaction. Although the small sample size and lack of a control group limit our ability to assess the efficacy of the intervention, our findings suggest that the intervention helped to buffer the negative emotional and physical impact of cancer treatment.

Conclusions

This pilot study demonstrated that the EASE intervention is feasible and acceptable to HNC cancer patients undergoing treatment. The study findings revealed some challenges of implementing a psychosocial intervention in HNC patients and inform future intervention studies with this population.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Health (National Cancer Institute, R-21; CA115354-01). The authors thank Jean Schleski, Kirsten Martin, and Dr. Carla Perry for their dedication and participation on this project.

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Affiliations

  1. University of Colorado Denver, Downtown Campus, North Classroom, 5002-M, Campus Box 173, PO Box 173364, Denver, CO, 80217-3364, USA

    Kristin M. Kilbourn, Derek Anderson, Allison Costenaro, Kate Lusczakoski & Evelinn Borrayo

  2. Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, 225 Psychology Building, 1835 Neil Avenue, Psychology Building, Room 169, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA

    Derek Anderson

  3. Aegis Analytical Corporation, 1380 Forest Park Circle, Suite 200, Lafayette, CO, 80026, USA

    Kate Lusczakoski

  4. University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCD, MS F706, 1665 Aurora Court, Suite 1032, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    David Raben

Authors
  1. Kristin M. Kilbourn
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  2. Derek Anderson
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Correspondence to Kristin M. Kilbourn.

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Kilbourn, K.M., Anderson, D., Costenaro, A. et al. Feasibility of EASE: a psychosocial program to improve symptom management in head and neck cancer patients. Support Care Cancer 21, 191–200 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1510-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1510-z

Keywords

  • Head and neck cancer
  • Symptom management
  • Telephone counseling
  • Coping