Patient experience of the acute post-surgical period following total laryngectomy during the COVID-19 era.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Total laryngectomy (TL) results in permanent functional changes requiring rapid development of complex new skills. A significant portion of this learning happens in the acute post-surgical stage. There is increasing interest in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in TL; however, implementation has been difficult. COVID-19 has placed significant pressures on acute services, requiring rapid service changes for TL patients.

Aims

To understand the acute patient experience of having a TL both before and during COVID-19.

Methods & procedures

Semi-structured interviews using a pre-designed topic guide were conducted with 10 people who had undergone a TL within the last 2 years. Participants were recruited by their speech and language therapists using

SUBMITTER: Watson LJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9111097 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature