The effect of structured patient-to-patient communication on fear of cancer recurrence in total laryngectomy patients: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a patient-to-patient communication model (PPM) in reducing fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) among laryngeal cancer patients after total laryngectomy, and to explore factors influencing FCR and its relationship with swallowing-related quality of life (SWAL-QOL).

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 85 laryngeal cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment were divided into three groups: Routine Group (RG, n=25) receiving standard care, Patients' Group (PG, n=30) participating in patient-to-patient communication sessions, and Psychologists' Group (PHG, n=30) receiving professional psychological support. Assessments were conducted using the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCRI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and SWAL-QOL questionnaire at multiple time points.

RESULTS

The PG demonstrated significantly greater improvement in FCR reduction compared to both RG and PHG groups. At 3 months post-treatment, the PG showed a 38% reduction in FCRI scores versus 12% in RG and 22% in PHG. SWAL-QOL scores improved most substantially in the PG (64.7) compared to PHG (51.3) and RG (38.7) at one month post-treatment. Educational level and postoperative quality of life were identified as significant factors influencing FCR severity.

CONCLUSION

The patient-to-patient communication model proves to be an effective intervention for reducing FCR in laryngectomy patients, particularly during the critical periods before surgery and within the first postoperative week. This approach offers a valuable, low-cost complementary strategy to conventional psychological support in cancer rehabilitation.