Audiology and Speech Pathology - Theses

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Start date: 2020 × End date: 2023 × Type: Masters Research thesis ×

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    A qualitative longitudinal study exploring adjustment experiences post laryngectomy
    Chapman, Penelope Kate ( 2021)
    Background: A total laryngectomy operation involves the surgical removal of the larynx for management of advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer. A total laryngectomy nearly always has a profound impact on a person’s life. There are significant physical and functional changes as well as psycho-social consequences to adapt to post-operatively. There is currently a paucity of qualitative longitudinal laryngectomy studies exploring the phenomenon of lived experiences in the first six months post laryngectomy. Aim: To investigate the adjustment experiences of people in the first six months post laryngectomy. Methods: A qualitative longitudinal study was conducted. Participants planned for a total laryngectomy during August, 2018 – April, 2020 were recruited to the study. Each participant completed a distress screening using the Distress Thermometer and in-depth semi-structured interviews at two weeks post discharge, and at three months and six months post operation. Inductive Thematic Analysis method was chosen following the six phases described by Braun & Clarke, 2014, to analyse the data. Results: Of the six participants in the study, 14 distress screenings and in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed (complete data sets were obtained for four participants). Distress levels were high in the pre and immediate post-operative weeks but little or no distress were reported in the longer term. Three phases of adjustment were identified; Phase one – Not normal life; Phase two – Never going to be the same again; and Phase three – Just get on with it. Clinical implications of results: The insights from this study can lead to improved clinical practice regarding assisting people in the early phases of adjustment. Targeted education, supportive care and independence care training are essential and positively impacts adjustment.