Feasibility of an iPad to Facilitate Communication in Postoperative Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

PURPOSE: To measure the feasibility of a communication application and an iPad to facilitate communication in postoperative patients with head and neck cancer. DESIGN: A prospective feasibility study. METHODS: This IRB-approved study was conducted in the postanesthesia care unit at an urban comprehensive cancer center. The participants included patients with head and neck cancer who underwent surgery that resulted in altered communication. Questionnaires were developed and administered to measure feasibility and patient satisfaction at different time points (preoperative, postoperative, and 1 to 4 days postoperatively). FINDINGS: Of 38 patients in the study, 25 (66%) were able to use the customized iPad. Of these 25 patients, 15 (60%) were satisfied or somewhat satisfied with it. 84% found the customized iPad to be very or somewhat helpful for communication after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were satisfied with the customized iPad, and the study found that using technology such as this was feasible in the immediate postoperative period.

Using Technology to Give Patients a Voice After Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer.

For patients with head and neck cancer, altered communication is a frequently occurring and highly upsetting issue that has been associated with psychological distress, fear, and anger among those with temporary or permanent speech impairment postsurgery. Many postoperative patients express that the most terrifying situation is to wake up from surgery and not be able to speak. Mobile devices have become part of everyday life, and augmentative and alternative communication mobile applications have the potential to enhance the healthcare journey of the patient and provider.