Use of alternative communication technology on quality of life evaluation of head and neck neoplasms patients

Abstract

Introduction: Communication, social interactions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the person affected by head and neck cancer (HNC) are affected by both diagnosis and treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of alternative communication software as a resource for the application of HRQoL assessment tools for people with HNC who underwent laryngectomy. Method: An exploratory, cross-sectional study with 100 adult individuals of both genders. A Sociodemographic identification form was used and the Brazilian Criteria for Economic Classification was applied the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck-FACT-H&N scale. These instruments were inserted, in their original format, into the alternative communication software Livox®, which is an auxiliary communication resource that favors the communication of people with speech difficulties providing a conversion of text into sounds. Results: The dimensions of functional well-being and emotional well-being were the most affected in the evaluation of HRQoL. Most interviewees did not have difficulty in using Livox® to respond to the questionnaires. However, there was an association between the age and professional activity in relation to the use of the software, since 100% of the over-58s and non-active retirees reported some difficulties in their use. Conclusion: The use of technological resources may facilitate access to services and treatments by laryngectomized individuals, however, the elderly present greater difficulties in the use of modern communication technologies due to sociocultural contexts, cognitive and emotional difficulties. Occupational therapy can facilitate this adaptation through the use of resources, strategies, and techniques for the use of technology instruments as facilitators for communication in intra- and extra-hospital contexts, providing autonomy and independence for the subjects.