An online self-care education program to support patients after total laryngectomy: feasibility and satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an online self-care education program supporting early rehabilitation of patients after total laryngectomy (TLPs) and factors associated with satisfaction. Methods: Health care professionals (HCPs) were invited to participate and to recruit TLPs. TLPs were informed on the self-care education program “In Tune without Cords” (ITwC) after which they gained access. A study specific survey was used (at baseline T0 and postintervention T1) on TLPs’ uptake. Usage, satisfaction (general impression, willingness to use, user-friendliness, satisfaction with self-care advice and strategies, Net Promoter Score (NPS)), sociodemographic, and clinical factors were analyzed. Results: HCPs of 6 out of 9 centers (67 % uptake rate) agreed to participate and recruited TLPs. In total, 55 of 75 TLPs returned informed consent and the baseline T0 survey and were provided access to ITwC (73 % uptake rate). Thirty-eight of these 55 TLPs used ITwC and completed the T1 survey (69 % usage rate). Most (66 %) TLPs were satisfied (i.e., score ≥7 (scale 1–10) on 4 survey items) with the self-care education program (mean score 7.2, SD 1.1). NPS was positive (+5). Satisfaction with the self-care education program was significantly associated with (higher) educational level and health literacy skills (P =.004, P =.038, respectively). No significant association was found with gender, age, marital status, employment status, Internet use, Internet literacy, treatment modality, time since total laryngectomy, and quality of life. Conclusion: The online self-care education program ITwC supporting early rehabilitation was feasible in clinical practice. In general, TLPs were satisfied with the program.