Zhang, L., Huang, Z., Wu, H., Chen, W., & Huang, Z. (2014). Effect of swallowing training on dysphagia and depression in postoperative tongue cancer patients. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 18, 626–629.
To evaluate the effect of swallowing training on dysphagia and depression in postoperative patients with tongue cancer
The WST and SDS scores were significantly lower in the less than 50% tongue resection and rehabilitation group, and also in the early tumor stage group as opposed to the advanced stage group. There was no significant differences in WST and SDS based on age, flap defect rehabilitation, neck dissection, or range of mandibulectomy. WST levels and SDS scores before swallowing training were significantly greater than after training (WST: p = 0.027, SDS: p = 0.034). In all cases, lower WST scores were associated with lower SDS scores.
Improved swallowing may reduce severity of depression. Improving functional outcomes, such as eating, is a significant quality-of-life issue.
This is an important issue for nurses in developing and implementing interventions to improve quality of life and survivorship. Swallowing retraining can potentially be effective for both swallowing and depression associated with the disease process.