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Purpose <p>Given the toxicity of radiation treatment for head and neck cancers, prehabilitation occurring between the time of diagnosis and treatment can improve patient health and reduce future morbidity. We developed a prehabilitation class to improve patient preparedness in reducing and managing acute radiation side effects. The study also aimed to improve patient knowledge of availability and access to support services offered at our institution.</p> Methods <p>We included head and neck cancer patients that underwent radical radiotherapy at our institution. The prehabilitation class was an interactive, multi-disciplinary virtual format focusing on patients’ nutritional needs, symptom management, exercise, and psychosocial support. Patients were invited to fill out a survey at their 4–6-week post-treatment follow-up appointment. Descriptive statistics were used to determine differences in survey responses between the groups, and qualitative responses were analyzed.</p> Results <p>From 2020 to 2024, we surveyed 51 patients prior to implementation of a prehabilitation class (control group, <i>n</i> = 51) and 51 patients who attended the class (prehab group, <i>n</i> = 51). In both groups, patients reported a high level of preparedness in managing common radiation side effects. Qualitative responses indicated patient praise for the multidisciplinary team and available resources. Respondents highlighted the need for more patient education on dysgeusia and xerostomia.</p> Conclusions <p>Our study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a prehabilitation class for head and neck cancer patients. Patient responses highlight gratitude for the care received and the need for more focus on specific side effects. This data continues to inform changes in the ongoing prehabilitation classes.</p>

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Head and neck cancer patient’s preparedness for radiation therapy: a patient survey before and after implementation of a prehabilitation education class

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月31日

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  • Vanessa Di Lalla,
  • Minette Lagman,
  • Haley Patrick,
  • Kyra Blair,
  • Polly Cooper,
  • Christina Cumayas,
  • Aneil Dhaliwal,
  • Stefanie Del Gobbo,
  • Erika Facchin,
  • Emma Gilchrist,
  • Sheri Grahame,
  • Alex Guytingco,
  • Aissa Keulen,
  • Victoria Lau,
  • Nahal Namdaran,
  • Christine Rodgerson,
  • Sarah Buddingh Smith,
  • Sarah Hamilton

摘要

Purpose

Given the toxicity of radiation treatment for head and neck cancers, prehabilitation occurring between the time of diagnosis and treatment can improve patient health and reduce future morbidity. We developed a prehabilitation class to improve patient preparedness in reducing and managing acute radiation side effects. The study also aimed to improve patient knowledge of availability and access to support services offered at our institution.

Methods

We included head and neck cancer patients that underwent radical radiotherapy at our institution. The prehabilitation class was an interactive, multi-disciplinary virtual format focusing on patients’ nutritional needs, symptom management, exercise, and psychosocial support. Patients were invited to fill out a survey at their 4–6-week post-treatment follow-up appointment. Descriptive statistics were used to determine differences in survey responses between the groups, and qualitative responses were analyzed.

Results

From 2020 to 2024, we surveyed 51 patients prior to implementation of a prehabilitation class (control group, n = 51) and 51 patients who attended the class (prehab group, n = 51). In both groups, patients reported a high level of preparedness in managing common radiation side effects. Qualitative responses indicated patient praise for the multidisciplinary team and available resources. Respondents highlighted the need for more patient education on dysgeusia and xerostomia.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a prehabilitation class for head and neck cancer patients. Patient responses highlight gratitude for the care received and the need for more focus on specific side effects. This data continues to inform changes in the ongoing prehabilitation classes.