Abstract
Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a devastating disease, and its corresponding treatments can result in substantial functional challenges for patients. These patients require a considerable amount of care, and the tasks of caregiving can be challenging for the caregivers. To date, there is no published literature review on the experiences and the needs of caregivers of patients with HNC.
Objective: To synthesize the literature on the experiences and needs of caregivers of patients with HNC in order to inform the development of an educational intervention for the caregivers.
Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted to examine the current knowledge about the experiences and needs of caregivers of patients with HNC. A systematic literature search strategy was conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The dominant or recurrent themes were identified using thematic synthesis.
Results: Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Three central themes were identified. These were the following: disruption to daily life, the impact of caregiving, and the availability of information and support.
Conclusions: Head and neck cancer affects the caregivers' lives physically, psychosocially, and financially. Caregivers identified the need for informational, financial, and educational support on an ongoing basis in assisting their loved ones with HNC.
Implications for Practice: Ongoing assessment of caregivers' support needs may contribute to enhancing the care and management of patients with HNC and is essential to promptly identify the concerns of caregivers. Clinicians should view the caregivers as copartners in HNC management and offer adequate support and education programs relevant to their needs.