Head & Neck Cancer Study Day

Exploring the roles of the multi-disciplinary team

 

Study Day Overview

The aim of this head and neck cancer study day will be to explore the workings of the multi-disciplinary team in the care of patients with head and neck cancer and to highlight the safety issues which need to be addressed upon discharge home from the hospital.  Anyone with a special interest or working within this specialist field is welcome to attend the event which will comprise of lectures and practical workshops.

 

Objectives

The objectives of the study day are as follows:

• Gain knowledge of surgical and non surgical interventions in the treatment of head and neck cancer
• Explore the side effectives of head and neck cancer and its treatments
• Understand the role of the MDT in caring for patients with head and neck cancer
• Familiarity with medical / devises used within this population group
• Understand the safety needs of patients with head and neck cancer

 

Topics

Topics throughout the day include:

• Head and neck cancer incidence / treatment options
• Altered anatomy of the upper airway due to head and neck surgery
• The role of the head and neck nursing team
• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy to the head and neck and associated side effects
• Non surgical voice restoration
• The role of the dietician and speech therapists in head and neck cancer care
• Nursing care to promote independence for the head and neck patient on discharge

 

Practical workshops will include:

• Tracheostomy - living with a permanent tracheostomy, types of tubes, cleaning tubes, caring for the stoma, humidification, changing a tube
• Laryngectomy and surgical voice restoration - life after a laryngectomy, coping with a speech valve, the role of NALC
• Safety issues around head and neck patients - how to resuscitate a head and neck breather, dealing with emergencies, how to prepare a safe environment within the hospital and at home