Healthcare professionals understanding, perceptions and experiences of head and neck lymphoedema to promote self-management for patients following completion of head and neck cancer treatment: a qualitative study.

purposeHead and neck lymphoedema (HNL) is a chronic and often debilitating consequence of head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment. Despite the chronicity, it is often under-recognised and under-treated. There is a finite resource of specialists to provide HNL intervention, necessitating self-management as an important pillar of patient management. This study aims to explore healthcare professionals (HCPs) understanding, perceptions and experiences of HNL management to promote self-management and adherence to HNL interventions in patients following completion of HNC treatment.

methodsEight focus groups were conducted with HCPs (n = 39) from different professional disciplines, acute and community settings and countries. Reflexive thematic analysis was adhered to in the development of key themes using an inductive approach.

resultsTwo main themes were established: (1) 'Raising awareness of HNL as a chronic and complex condition' and (2) 'What are the solutions for promoting HNL self-management?' Data demonstrated that HCPs lack confidence and understanding in providing HNL support. There was a lack of clarity towards roles and responsibilities of HNL management among HCPs, with many having a desire to be better equipped to promote patient self-management and adherence.

conclusionHCPs involved in care delivery of patients with HNC require education and training on HNL, to support patient and family engagement with HNL self-management. To advance adherence and compliance of HNL self-management, there is a need to develop a dedicated HNL self-management intervention, integrating theory and evidence.