Klaske van Sluis

CHAPTER 8 Women’s perspective on life after total laryngectomy: a qualitative study Abstract Background: Physical and psychosocial challenges are common after total laryngectomy. The surgery leads to lifelong changes in communication, air- way, swallowing and appearance. As we move towards health models driven by patient-centred care, understanding the differential impacts of surgical pro- cedures on subgroups of patients can help improve our care models, patient education and support systems. In this article, we discuss the experiences of women following total laryngectomy. Aims: This study aims to gain insight into the impact of total laryngectomy on women’s daily life while identifying their specific rehabilitation needs. Methods & Procedures: This article is based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with eight women who had undergone total laryngectomy. These interviews were conducted with women at least one year after they had under- gone total laryngectomy, and the participants did not have recurrent disease. Using an interview guide, participants were encouraged to discuss their every- day experiences, while also focusing on issues typical to women. The transcribed 0 Appeared as: van, Sluis, K.E., Kornman, A.F., van der Molen, L., van den Brekel, M.W.M., and Yaron, G. “Women’s perspective on life after total laryngectomy: a qualita- tive study.” International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders . 55,2: 188-199, 2020.