Survey of Head and Neck Cancer Surgeons on Bereavement Practices Shows Wide Variation

by Linda Kossoff •

What can be learned about the frequency of, barriers to, and predictive factors in head and neck surgeons’ bereavement practices pertaining to their interactions with dying patients and their families?

BOTTOM LINE

There is substantial bereavement practice variation among head and neck surgeons, and having higher empathy is predictive of higher engagement in bereavement.

BACKGROUND: Bereavement follow-up after losing a patient is important for oncologic physicians. Reports indicate that 46% to 70% of caregivers of patients with advanced cancer desire bereavement follow-up. Head/neck surgeons are uniquely positioned to provide this support. Bereavement practices such as letters and phone calls have been studied in multiple specialties, but not within otolaryngology.

STUDY DESIGN: Survey study.

SETTING: Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, Calif.

SYNOPSIS: Researchers formulated a 20-item anonymous survey aimed at exploring bereavement practices. The survey was disseminated online to active American Head and Neck Society members. Of the 156 respondents (75% male) meeting inclusion criteria, 37% had >20 years in practice, 72% worked in academic centers, and 71% had a practice of mostly head/neck cancer patients. Findings showed substantial variation regarding bereavement practices and an overall low average of providing such follow-up. Respondents indicated that they “usually” or “always” called the caregiver (47%) or sent a letter (43%), whereas 87% reported “rarely” or “never” having attended a patient’s funeral or memorial service. Most respondents (81%) reported a tendency to get attached to patients, and most (74%) practiced bereavement to show respect to patients’ families; only 26% reported self-care as their impetus. Respondents’ demographics were not statistically significant predictors. Higher empathy levels were associated with higher bereavement activity. Significantly, 51% of respondents reported a lack of training or mentorship in bereavement as at least somewhat important. Study limitations included selection and nonresponse bias, inherent in survey studies.

CITATION: Solis RN, Farber NI, Fairman N, et al. Bereavement practices among head and neck cancer surgeons. Laryngoscope. 2022;132:1971–1975.