Improving patient communication following Total Laryngectomy - nursing intervention in the Perioperative: scope review

Abstract

Backgroud: The person undergoing total laryngectomy suffers an abrupt loss of ability to communicate orally, as a consequence of the lack of voice to speak resulting from complete laryngeal ablation. In addition to having limited communication with others, which in itself has a profound impact, the person is limited in her capacity to communicate symptoms, express their needs and feelings, question or request care, which interferes, among other things, with the quality and safety of the care provided. Objective:
To identify the scientific evidence available in the literature on the interventions that promote effective communication of the person undergoing Total Laryngectomy in the peri-operative period. Methodology: A Scoping Review was carried out following the protocol recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute and based on the research question “Which nursing interventions promoting effective communication of the person with laryngeal cancer undergoing total laryngectomy in the period peri-operative? “A research was conducted in the electronic databases CINAHL® and MEDLINE® between the 1st and the 16th of February 2019. Articles from primary studies, case studies, theoretical and literature reviews in English, Spanish and Portuguese, published between 2000 and 2019 were included. Results: Between 2000 and 2019 were identified 20 published articles. Conclusions: This Scoping Review enabled us to respond to the initial research question by identifying a wide variety of interventions aimed at optimizing the laryngectomized person communication or that can be adapted to these people. The use of lip mimics; gestures; signals; facial expressions as well as writing were the most frequently mentioned strategies, followed by the use of simple questions and the use of speech generating devices. The environmental conditions; the skills of health professionals; family incorporation and emotional support emerged as conditions and resources for optimizing communication care.