This study will design and evaluate a telehealth intervention to improve symptom management and palliation for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancers. Using a telehealth monitoring system, the study will address and attempt to overcome communication barriers common to this patient population in an effort to bridge the gap between established symptom management science and the actual application of validated measures to ameliorate symptom distress. The study will consist of two phases. In Phase One, best practices and participatory action research with patients, caregivers, and clinicians will be employed in developing a telehealth algorithm based on symptoms and issues commonly experienced by head and neck cancer patients. This algorithm will be integrated into a telehealth device system that involves patients in daily symptom assessment addressing their comprehensive, interdisciplinary care needs. The device is inexpensive and simple for patients to use. In Phase Two, a randomized controlled trial will evaluate the efficacy, efficiency, acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. The primary outcome evaluated will be symptom distress. Both experimental and usual care groups will complete evaluation instruments measuring symptom distress, symptom prevalence, symptom severity, quality of life, self-efficacy to address symptoms, and satisfaction with symptom management. The long-term goal of this study is to design a telehealth methodology to improve symptom management that is generalizable to the broader cancer community.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21CA115345-01
Application #
6953430
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1-SRRB-3 (M1))
Program Officer
O'Mara, Ann M
Project Start
2005-09-23
Project End
2007-08-31
Budget Start
2005-09-23
Budget End
2006-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$119,100
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Louisville
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
057588857
City
Louisville
State
KY
Country
United States
Zip Code
40292
Head, Barbara A; Keeney, Cynthia; Studts, Jamie L et al. (2011) Feasibility and Acceptance of a Telehealth Intervention to Promote Symptom Management during Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer. J Support Oncol 9:e1-e11
Head, Barbara A; Heitz, Luke; Keeney, Cynthia et al. (2011) The relationship between weight loss and health-related quality of life in persons treated for head and neck cancer. Support Care Cancer 19:1511-8
Head, Barbara A; Studts, Jamie L; Bumpous, Jeffrey M et al. (2009) Development of a telehealth intervention for head and neck cancer patients. Telemed J E Health 15:44-52