Determinants of quality of life from the perspective of the patients: A qualitative analysis of patients with oral cavity cancer

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify factors from the patient's perspective that influence quality of life and psychological stress after oral cancer, and to find out if these patients would opt for psycho-oncological assistance during further treatment.Materials and methods: Standardized interviews were conducted. All interviews were transcribed and reduced according to previously established rules. Next, the patients' statements were coded, put into one format, and summarized in categories. Each category was described individually so that a rule-based quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the patients' statements was then possible.Results: 50 patients were interviewed. 40 of these patients indicated that their own personality and the social support received through friends and family were the most important predictors for quality of life and coping. Therefore, they suggested a focus on these aspects during psycho-oncological treatment. Nearly every patient stated that psycho-oncological assistance should be available for each of them.Conclusion: The results of this study show that patients have clear ideas about the factors that influence their quality of life, and that play a role in coping with disease. Doctors and nursing staff should also understand these factors in order to support patients in the best possible way in the context of psychological first aid. (C) 2020 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.