| The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of nurse led follow-up care in the management of patients with HNC when compared to usual care (with ad hoc nursing care or no nursing care at all). For this purpose, four research questions will be addressed: 1) Does nurse led follow-up care improve patients' adjustment to illness after HNC-treatment to a higher degree than usual care does? 2) Does nurse led follow-up care for HNC patients, adequately address patients problems, concerns and specific needs? 3) What is the effect of nurse led follow-up care on quality of care, patient satisfaction, quality of life, and cancer recurrence rates in comparison to the effects of usual care? 4) What is the effect of nurse led follow-up on total follow-up costs when compared with usual care (routine follow-up schedule)? |
