Nurse-led Oral Mucositis Management: Impact on Health Outcomes of Patients Receiving Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer and Lung Cancer: A Prospective Study

Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of nurse-led OM management on the health outcomes of patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and lung cancer. Methods: The radiotherapy nurse carried out evidence-based assessments for OM in patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer and lung cancer and scheduled to receive radiotherapy, during their visits to the radiotherapy unit. The study adopted a holistic approach involving the patient in the care process with the radiotherapy nurse screening OM complications, providing information on OM-related factors and integrating these factors into daily life. The prospective, longitudinal cohort study, 27 patients were assessed and monitored through the WHO Oral Toxicity Scale, OM Follow-up Form and educated on OM during their radiotherapy through the OM Prevention and Care Guide. At the end of radiotherapy, an Evaluation of the Radiotherapy Process was performed. Results: In this study, each patient was followed for six weeks from the start of radiotherapy (n=27). During RT, 23 patients had different grades of OM and 26 patients had esophagitis.The worst clinical data for OM and its variables emerged at week 6 of treatment. While the Nutrition Risk Screening (NRS) score increased over time, weight loss was observed to decrease. The mean stress level was 4.74±0.33 in the first week and 5.77±0.35 in the last week. It was observed that 24 out of 27 patients (88.9%) showed good adherence to the treatment. Conclusion: Involving the patient in the process of radiotherapy in nurse-led OM management contributes to better patient outcomes. Such an approach improves oral care management in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck and lung cancer, demonstrating its positive impact on additional patient-focused outcomes.