A study looking at people with head and neck cancer who have difficulties with eating and drinking
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This study looked at whether cognitive behavioural therapy and swallowing therapy can help people with eating and drinking problems.
It was for people with eating and drinking difficulties caused by head and neck cancer and its treatment.
More about this trial
People with head and neck cancer often have difficulties with eating and drinking. This is called dysphagia.
Treatment for dysphagia is usually swallowing therapy. It uses a range of techniques such as swallowing exercises that are tailored to your specific problem. A usually helps you with this.
Living with dysphagia can make people feel anxious or with low confidence. It can affect their ability to socialise.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often used to help people with their mood. It works by identifying and changing unhelpful ways of thinking and behaving.
In this study, researchers wanted to find out whether combining CBT with swallowing therapy could help people with dysphagia.
The main aim of this study was to develop a treatment that combined CBT and swallowing therapy. And to find out whether it was acceptable to people.
Summary of results
- before the start of CBT and swallowing therapy
- at the end of CBT and swallowing therapy
- 3 months after finishing the therapy
- their perceptions of eating and drinking
- their
quality of life - whether they were anxious or felt depressed
- their diet and ability to swallow
- whether they felt tired
- how their social and work life was affected
- the way they were referred to the CBT and swallowing therapy (the referral process)
- the time each session took
- the number of sessions

Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Dr Joanne Patterson
Supported by
NIHR Clinical Research Network: Cancer
Sunderland Royal Hospital
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040