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Iwai M, Ando S, Sato K. The process of reacquiring new vocalization in total laryngectomy patients with head and neck cancer: A qualitative study. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2024; 11:100362. [PMID: 38433771 PMCID: PMC10904916 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Speech rehabilitation significantly contributes to the enhanced quality of life for patients who have undergone laryngectomy due to head and neck cancer. The initiation of tracheoesophageal speech early in the rehabilitation process has been associated with improved speech quality. Despite this, voice changes can carry a stigma due to communication challenges, even after successful voice restoration, potentially limiting the overall improvement in quality of life. Thus, our aim was to gain a profound understanding of the transition process from the selection to the adaptation of tracheoesophageal speech in patients with head and neck cancer. Methods Participants, who had undergone laryngectomy for head and neck cancer, were recruited from peer support groups in Japan, resulting in the identification of thirteen tracheoesophageal speakers. The data were analyzed using grounded theory methodology, incorporating open, axial, and selective coding. Semi-structured interviews delved into tracheoesophageal speakers' perceptions of their voices and the adaptive strategies employed for their preferred alternative communication methods. Results During the adaptation process, participants underscored the importance of communicating with their own voices. However, they also experienced anxiety about losing their natural voice, confronted the reality of living without a voice, and coped with their new voice. Eventually, participants came to recognize the changed voice as their own. Conclusions The personal conviction associated with the notion of "communicating with one's own voice" is integral to the adaptation process for patients with head and neck cancer who undergo laryngectomies and utilize tracheoesophageal speech. Some aspects of tracheoesophageal speech can evoke feelings of hopelessness, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive support for professional speech rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyoko Iwai
- Nursing for Advanced Practice, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya City, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shoko Ando
- Department of Nursing, Ichinomiya Kenshin College, Ichinomiya City, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sato
- Nursing for Advanced Practice, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya City, Aichi, Japan
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Doyle PC, Ghasemzadeh H, Searl J. Temporal and Spectral Models as Correlates to Auditory-Perceptual Judgments of Overall Severity and Listener Comfort in Tracheoesophageal Voice. APPLIED SCIENCES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:214. [PMID: 38699704 PMCID: PMC11064837 DOI: 10.3390/app14010214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study pursued two objectives: (1) to determine the potential association between listener (n = 51) judgments of 20 male tracheoesophageal speaker samples for two auditory-perceptual dimensions of voice, overall severity (OS) and listener comfort (LC); and (2) to assess the temporal and spectral acoustic correlates for these auditory-perceptual dimensions. METHODOLOGY Three separate correlation analyses were performed to evaluate the association between OS and LC. First, scores of OS and LC from all listeners were pooled together, and then the correlation between OS and LC was computed. Second, scores of OS and LC were averaged over all listeners to derive a single estimate of OS and LC for each TE speaker sample; the correlation between the average OS and LC was then computed. Third, listener-to-listener variability in the association between OS and LC was evaluated by computing the correlation between OS and LC scores from each listener across all TE samples. Finally, two stepwise multiple regression models were created to relate the average LC score to spectral and temporal variation in the acoustic signal. RESULTS While the pooled OS and LC scores had a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.66, p < 0.00001), the averaged OS and LC exhibited a near perfect positive correlation (r = 0.99, p < 0.00001). The significant differences between the pooled and averaged scores were explained by significant listener-to-listener variability in the association between OS and LC. OS and LC scores from 5 listeners had non-significant correlations, 10 had moderate correlations (r < 0.7), 35 listeners had high correlations (0.7 < r < 0.9), and 1 listener had a very high correlation (r < 0.9 < 1). Finally, the acoustic models created based on the spectral and temporal variations in the signal were able to account for 87.7% and 61.8% of variation in the average LC score. CONCLUSIONS The strong correlations between OS and LC suggest that LC may, in fact, provide a more comprehensive auditory-perceptual surrogate for the voice quality of TE speakers. Although OS and LC are distinct conceptual dimensions, LC appears to have the advantage of assessing the social impact and potential communication disability that may exist in interactions between TE speakers and listeners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip C. Doyle
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Laryngology, School of Medicine Stanford University, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hamzeh Ghasemzadeh
- Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Surgery Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jeff Searl
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Weidlich S, Pfeiffer J, Kugler C. Self-management of patients with tracheostomy in the home setting: a scoping review. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2023; 7:101. [PMID: 37823948 PMCID: PMC10570259 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-023-00643-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to create a model of patient-centered outcomes with respect to self-management tasks and skills of patients with a tracheostomy in their home setting. METHODS A scoping review using four search engines was undertaken (Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library) to identify studies relevant to this issue and published since 2000. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statements for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach of conducting and reporting a scoping review, and the Participants, Concept, Context (PCC) scheme were employed. The following elements of the framework synthesis study data were screened, and presented based on the self-management model of Lorig and Holman. RESULTS 34 publications from 17 countries met the criteria for study inclusion: 24 quantitative, 8 qualitative and 2 mixed methods designs. Regarding the dimensions of self-management, 28 articles reported on "managing the therapeutic regimen", 27 articles discussed "managing role and behavior changes", and 16 articles explored "managing emotions". A model of self-management of patients with tracheostomy was developed, which placed the patient in the center, since it is this individual who is completing the tasks and carrying out his or her skill sets. CONCLUSION This scoping review represents the first comprehensive overview and modeling of the complex self-management tasks and skills required of patients with tracheostomy in their home setting. The theoretical model can serve as a cornerstone for empirical intervention studies to better support this patient-centered outcome for this population in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Weidlich
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Pfeiffer
- Center for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (HNO Center am Theater), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Kugler
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Nursing Science, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 153, Freiburg, 79110, Germany.
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Bickford J, Hersh D, Israel M. "I won't be able to speak for three days after": Ethical and practical considerations in qualitative research involving people with a laryngectomy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 25:746-756. [PMID: 36263463 DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2022.2115553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: A laryngectomy impacts communication, swallowing and breathing. It is disfiguring and can disrupt quality of life, one's sense of identity, and relationships. It can increase dependence on others, trigger social stigma, avoidant coping and suicidal risk. Qualitative research has the potential to enable greater understanding of these consequences. However, almost nothing has been written about the specific ethical issues that can arise when carrying out research with people with laryngectomy (PWL). This paper builds on the experiences of the authors in the field and seeks to examine and explain these research ethics considerations and how they impact research design, data collection, data analysis and dissemination.Method: Using a framework based on the values underpinning the Australian National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, respect, merit and integrity, justice and beneficence, we have highlighted key issues relevant to this particular population.Main contribution: Different practical approaches are provided to address the ethical concerns that arise when conducting research with PWL. These include access to participants and ensuring diverse representation; balancing harm and benefit; achieving accurate interpretation, analysis and representation of the data generated through the research; research as a partnership that is respectful, empowering and fosters collaboration.Conclusion: This paper breaks new ground in discussing the ethical considerations and practical challenges relevant to researching the experiences of PWL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Bickford
- Speech Pathology, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Deborah Hersh
- Speech Pathology, Curtin School of Allied Health Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia
- Adjunct Associate Professor, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
- Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Mark Israel
- Australasian Human Research Ethics Consultancy Services, AU Adjunct Professor, School of Social Sciences, University Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia
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Gresham MS, Mann H, Ward GM, Payne MA. Gender differences in the laryngectomee experience. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2023; 58:406-418. [PMID: 36398466 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Laryngectomy is a pivotal event in patients. lives, with pervasive and far-reaching effects. Understanding gender differences in these effects may improve care of laryngectomy patients. This paper describes gender differences in the experience after laryngectomy. AIM To explore the similarities and differences in the laryngectomee experience based on gender. METHODS & PROCEDURES Four gender-matched focus groups were conducted; dialogue was audio recorded, transcribed and studied using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). OUTCOMES & RESULTS A total of 17 laryngectomees, eight female and nine male, age range 41-80 years, participated in focus groups. Laryngectomy represented a turning point in the lives of both genders. Four themes emerged: perception of loss, adjusting to alaryngeal communication, finding a positive outlook and re-establishing the self. Themes applied to both genders, with subthemes demonstrating similarities and differences between men and women. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS Men and women experienced destabilization after laryngectomy related to perceived losses and shifts in identity. Men described navigating from physical disability toward recovery of function, while women described an emotional journey concerning loss and rediscovery of meaning in their lives. Understanding the laryngectomee experience in better detail, which includes recognizing gender differences and rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach, may facilitate more effective preoperative counselling and post-operative support from providers. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Patients who undergo total laryngectomy often struggle with problems with physical, emotional, and social functioning and decreased quality of life. As the literature currently stands, the understanding of the experience of laryngectomees has primarily focused on the perspective of a singular gender. Thus, this is the first qualitative study specifically investigating differences in the laryngectomee experience between men and women. What this paper adds to existing knowledge This study finds that women and men both endorse significant mental and physical changes following laryngectomy; however, their perception of their experience differed by gender. Women endorsed alteration to meaningful life and men demonstrated distress related to loss of physical functioning; both genders described laryngectomy as a formative event that helped them rediscover joy and redefine themselves for the better. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? Our findings suggest men and women have distinct mental and emotional struggles after laryngectomy despite similar physical changes. This suggests that tailoring care with consideration of these gender differences, including preoperative counselling, post-operative support and gender-matched visitors or support groups, may help beneficial in recovery after laryngectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hayley Mann
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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Vojtech JM, Mitchell CL, Raiff L, Kline JC, De Luca G. Prediction of Voice Fundamental Frequency and Intensity from Surface Electromyographic Signals of the Face and Neck. VIBRATION 2022; 5:692-710. [PMID: 36299552 PMCID: PMC9592063 DOI: 10.3390/vibration5040041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Silent speech interfaces (SSIs) enable speech recognition and synthesis in the absence of an acoustic signal. Yet, the archetypal SSI fails to convey the expressive attributes of prosody such as pitch and loudness, leading to lexical ambiguities. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of using surface electromyography (sEMG) as an approach for predicting continuous acoustic estimates of prosody. Ten participants performed a series of vocal tasks including sustained vowels, phrases, and monologues while acoustic data was recorded simultaneously with sEMG activity from muscles of the face and neck. A battery of time-, frequency-, and cepstral-domain features extracted from the sEMG signals were used to train deep regression neural networks to predict fundamental frequency and intensity contours from the acoustic signals. We achieved an average accuracy of 0.01 ST and precision of 0.56 ST for the estimation of fundamental frequency, and an average accuracy of 0.21 dB SPL and precision of 3.25 dB SPL for the estimation of intensity. This work highlights the importance of using sEMG as an alternative means of detecting prosody and shows promise for improving SSIs in future development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura Raiff
- Delsys, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
- Altec, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Joshua C. Kline
- Delsys, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
- Altec, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
| | - Gianluca De Luca
- Delsys, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
- Altec, Inc., Natick, MA 01760, USA
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Gunjawate DR, Ravi R. Psychosocial Adjustments after Advanced Laryngeal Cancer Treatment - A Systematic Review. Indian J Palliat Care 2021; 27:431-438. [PMID: 34898937 PMCID: PMC8655667 DOI: 10.25259/ijpc_135_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial adjustments are alterations needed by a person after a life-altering event. The present review explored the psychosocial adjustments after advanced laryngeal cancer treatment. Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed and Scopus were searched. Two hundred and three hits, after the three-stage screening, 13 articles were included. Mixed methods appraisal tool was used to perform the quality appraisal. The findings from 1109 laryngeal cancer survivors and 154 spouses of total laryngectomy patients helped to identify the barriers and coping mechanism toward psychosocial adjustments. The barriers included reactions of spouse or family members, effect of voice, communication and speech intelligibility and work and family relationships. The coping was enhanced with a better awareness, motivation and support system. These findings would help in improving the training programs and enhance the pre- and post-treatment counselling based on the priorities and demands of the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanshree R Gunjawate
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Rohit Ravi
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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Steinau P, Walter S, Hübner J, Büntzel J. [Subjective significance of olfactory dysfunction after laryngectomy : Let's ask our patients]. HNO 2020; 69:878-885. [PMID: 33052423 DOI: 10.1007/s00106-020-00956-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Laryngectomy is usually associated with olfactory dysfunction. How do laryngectomees personally experience and feel about this change? MATERIALS AND METHODS In cooperation with the Bundesverband der Kehlkopfoperierten (German Association of Throat Cancer Patients) and together with laryngectomized patients, a new questionnaire was created and distributed via the regional offices according to the population sizes of the federal states (n = 293) for the first time in spring 2018. The questionnaire covers patient characteristics and daily life without a larynx, as well as the specific areas of smell and taste, albeit without differentiation between ortho- and retronasal olfaction. The items were designed to be answered using patient-friendly visual rating scales, multiple-choice answers, and free text. RESULTS Return rate was 198/293 (67.6%). Median age of all participants was 69 years (48-88). Overall life situation was rated by 99/198 (50%) participants as "good" or "very good." The primary subjective impairment for the patients was loss of voice (137/198, 69.1%) and loss of olfaction (113/198, 59.1%). Adaption to life without a larynx has been completed within a maximum of 3 years for 161/198 (81.3%) patients. Principally, 127/198 (64.1%) affirmed being able to smell and 176 of 198 (88.9%) being able to taste; however, only 29/198 (14.6%) rated their sense of smell and 109/198 (55.1%) their sense of taste as "good" or "very good." Most frequently detected smell sensations were perfume (141), smoke (126), and feces (99). Univariate analysis showed a significant (p < 0.05) correlation between adaptation time <1 year and current subjective smell and taste. CONCLUSION Subjective loss of smell and taste after laryngectomy is a daily problem for patients in Germany, which should be focused on promptly and included in early rehabilitation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Steinau
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - S Walter
- Bundesverband der Kehlkopfoperierten e. V., Bonn, Deutschland
| | - J Hübner
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - J Büntzel
- Klinik für HNO-Erkrankungen, Kopf-Hals-Chirurgie, Südharz-Klinikum Nordhausen, Dr.-Robert-Koch-Str. 39, 99734, Nordhausen, Deutschland.
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Taberna M, Gil Moncayo F, Jané-Salas E, Antonio M, Arribas L, Vilajosana E, Peralvez Torres E, Mesía R. The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Approach and Quality of Care. Front Oncol 2020; 10:85. [PMID: 32266126 PMCID: PMC7100151 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The core function of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) is to bring together a group of healthcare professionals from different fields in order to determine patients' treatment plan. Most of head and neck cancer (HNC) units are currently led by MDTs that at least include ENT and maxillofacial surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists. HNC often compromise relevant structures of the upper aerodigestive tract involving functions such as speech, swallowing and breathing, among others. The impairment of these functions can significantly impact patients' quality of life and psychosocial status, and highlights the crucial role of specialized nurses, dietitians, psycho-oncologists, social workers, and onco-geriatricians, among others. Hence, these professionals should be integrated in HNC MDTs. In addition, involving translational research teams should also be considered, as it will help reducing the existing gap between basic research and the daily clinical practice. The aim of this comprehensive review is to assess the role of the different supportive disciplines integrated in an MDT and how they help providing a better care to HNC patients during diagnosis, treatment and follow up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miren Taberna
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), ONCOBELL, IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Gil Moncayo
- Psicooncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enric Jané-Salas
- Department of Odontostomatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Dentistry), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Oral Health and Masticatory System Group (Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute) IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maite Antonio
- Oncogeriatrics Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Arribas
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vilajosana
- Head and Neck Nurse, Head and Neck Functional Unit, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Peralvez Torres
- Expert SLP in Oncologic Patients, Head of SLP's Department, Atos Medical Spain, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ricard Mesía
- Medical Oncology Department, Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), B-ARGO, Barcelona, Spain
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Vehling S, Kissane DW. Existential distress in cancer: Alleviating suffering from fundamental loss and change. Psychooncology 2018; 27:2525-2530. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.4872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sigrun Vehling
- Department of Medical Psychology; University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf; Hamburg Germany
| | - David W. Kissane
- University of Notre Dame; Sydney Australia
- Cunningham Centre; St Vincent's Hospital; Sydney Australia
- Szalmuk Family Psycho-Oncology Research Unit; Cabrini Health and Monash Partner's Comprehensive Cancer Centre; Melbourne Australia
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