RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Workshops and Exchange Groups for Laryngectomized Patients

This study focuses on improving the quality of life for people who have had their voice box (larynx) removed because of cancer. This surgery, called a total laryngectomy, means changes to how someone speaks and breathes. Many people find it hard to adapt to these changes. The research team wants to see if attending workshops and support groups can make a real difference. These groups would help people understand their body changes, learn how to speak again, and cope with daily challenges. The study will assess if these groups help participants feel better and more supported, by using questionnaires to measure their well-being before and after taking part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

Start

10 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

10 Oct 2026

Laryngectomy; Status Laryngeal Cancer

What is this study about?

Having your voice box (larynx) removed, a surgery called a laryngectomy, is a big change for anyone, often affecting how you speak, breathe, and even smell. This study explores how workshops and group sessions designed for people who have undergone this surgery can help them adjust and improve their overall well-being. It's a way to provide support and information in a friendly, shared environment.

The research aims to understand if bringing people together in these groups can help them cope with the effects of surgery, such as learning new ways to speak, getting used to changes in breathing, and dealing with how they feel about their body. Sometimes, people feel isolated after such a big operation, and these groups could offer a place to connect with others who understand.

The researchers will measure if these workshops and support groups genuinely help people feel better. They'll do this by asking participants to complete questionnaires about their quality of life and specific issues related to their recovery both before and after attending the sessions. This will help them see if the groups made a positive difference.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve life for people after voice box removal.
Involves attending supportive group workshops.
Helps with speaking, breathing, and emotional adjustment.
Requires completing questionnaires before and after sessions.
Sessions are held at Bichat Hospital.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would generally need to have had your entire voice box removed in the last four years at either Bichat Hospital or HEGP. It's important that you’ve finished all your other treatments for the cancer that led to the surgery.

You also need to be at least 18 years old and able to travel to Bichat Hospital for all four workshop sessions. You'll need to understand French to participate in the discussions and not have any conditions that significantly limit your ability to move around or manage your daily life independently. You also can’t be under certain types of legal protection, like guardianship.

Finally, you'll be given clear information about what taking part involves, and you'll need to agree to participate. The study is for people who are otherwise well and want to actively engage in the group sessions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Had your voice box completely removed at Bichat or HEGP within the last four years?
Finished all your other cancer treatments?
Are you 18 years old or older?
Can you travel to Bichat Hospital for four sessions?
Do you understand and speak French?
Can you move around and care for yourself mostly independently?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will attend four workshop sessions at Bichat Hospital. The first session will be an introduction where everyone can share and ask questions. The second session will feature a voice association, and the third will involve a patient who has lived with a laryngectomy for a long time, offering an opportunity for questions and answers. The fourth session will bring everyone together to assess how helpful the workshops were.

Before the first session, and then again after the sessions have finished, you will be asked to complete two questionnaires. These will ask about your overall quality of life and specific issues related to your surgery. The questionnaires also include a space for you to write down your thoughts on how the workshops helped you. People who can't join the groups for personal reasons will also be asked to complete these questionnaires four months apart to help compare results. The total duration of your active participation will involve attending these four sessions and completing two sets of questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is the chance to connect with others who have similar experiences, gain support, and learn new coping strategies, which could improve your overall well-being and confidence. There are no direct medical risks involved, but sharing personal experiences in a group setting can sometimes be emotionally challenging, though the sessions are designed to be supportive. You are completely free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Bichat - Claude Bernard Hospital
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a total laryngectomy?

It's a surgery where your entire voice box (larynx) is removed, usually due to cancer. This changes how you speak and breathe.

What will I do in the workshops?

You'll meet other patients, learn about support from a voice association, ask questions to an experienced patient, and share your feedback on the sessions.

Do I have to complete questionnaires?

Yes, you'll complete two questionnaires about your quality of life both before and after the workshops to help the researchers understand their impact.

Where do the sessions take place?

All four workshop sessions will take place at Bichat Hospital.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Angèle Germon

angele.germon@aphp.fr 06.40.65.58.75 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.