Providing effective support for patients facing disfiguring surgery

• Published in: British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing) Vol. 17; no. 2; p. 94
• Main Author: Bowers, Ben
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 2008
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Attitude to Health; Body Image; Depression - etiology; Depression - psychology; Family - psychology; Head and Neck Neoplasms - complications; Head and Neck Neoplasms - nursing; Head and Neck Neoplasms - psychology; Head and Neck Neoplasms - surgery; Humans; Information Services; Internet; Nurse's Role - psychology; Nurse-Patient Relations; Perioperative Care - methods; Perioperative Care - nursing; Perioperative Care - psychology; Self Care - methods; Self Care - psychology; Social Isolation; Social Support; Stereotyping
• ISSN: 0966-0461
• DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2008.17.2.28135

Surgery for head and neck cancer can leave patients with obvious facial disfigurements. Some individuals adjust remarkably well to their altered appearance and require very little emotional support. Conversely, individuals with poor coping skills or limited support from those close to them can become socially isolated and depressed. Nurses, caring for patients during their hospital stay, are in the ideal position to assess how they are emotionally adapting to having a disfigurement. By listening to the patient, and their family's concerns, nurses can make a real difference to their recovery and quality of life. Through facilitating the development of the individual's practical coping skills and confidence in social situations, nurses can help patients to start to constructively adjust to their new appearance. It is crucial to put patients and their families in touch with ongoing support before they go home.