Abstract

CABRAL, Gabrielle Karine Albuquerque et al. Communication in oncological patients undergoing total laryngectomy. Rev. SBPH [online]. 2017, vol.20, n.2, pp. 45-65. ISSN 1516-0858.

This study aimed to analyze the possibilities of communication used by cancer patients who underwent total laryngectomy. This is a qualitative and descriptive research. The study was applied in the Head and Neck Surgery Service of a highly complex Oncology Center, located in the state of Ceará. The study sample was composed of 12 participants, chosen by the saturation criteria. The data collection occurred through the application of the semi-structured interviews, conducted after the surgical procedure. The analysis of content was used for the examination of the data and we came to two categories of analysis: from diagnosis to treatment expectations and feelings; and communication process. It was identified that the main communication strategies practiced by subjects were lip-mimicry, the use of gestures and writing. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages so that none alone is able to meet all the communication needs. We highlight the low educational level of the subjects as a complicating factor for the communication process, the importance of using educational techniques in healthcare to facilitate guidance to patients and a multidisciplinary assistance throughout the health care process.

Keywords : Larynx Cancer; Total Laryngectomy; Communication.

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