Özet:

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the effect of the navigation program in the management of fatigue and insomnia associated with head and neck radiotherapy. Method: This randomized controlled, experimentally designed study was conducted between November 2018 and March 2020 with the participation of 88 patients diogmesed with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Fortyone head and neck cancer patients in the experimental group and 47 patients in the control group were randomized using a pre-prepared randomization checklist. While standard treatment approaches of the hospital were applied to all patients, a navigation program was applied in addition to the patients in the experimental group. The navigation program began with patients on the first day of radiotherapy, with 30 minutes of visual instruction and handbook on expected side effects associated with treatments. Afterwards, phone reminders and daily counseling were done weekly for seven weeks, and patient follow-up was continued. Patient identification form and EORTC QLQ C-30, EORTC QLQ-HN35 quality of life scale were used in the study. The scales were repeated to the patients at the first, fourth and seventh weeks. Results: Data from the study showed that nurse navigation reduced the severity of symptoms in patients (p <0.05) and increased quality of life scores (p <0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that the navigation program is an effective approach for patients receiving head and neck radiotherapy.

Anahtar Kelimeler: