Surgeon information giving practices prior to laryngectomy: a national survey

Prior to the proposed development of a pretreatment counselling package for patients with cancer of the larynx or pharynx, a study was undertaken to d etermine current information giving practice prior to laryngectomy. A posta l questionnaire was sent to all UK ENT consultants registered in the Medica l Directory. The response rate was 88%, with 48% meeting the study's entry criteria. Counselling practice varies widely. Surgeons report an average of 15 min available for discussion with the patient: 80 gave the diagnosis an d discussed the treatment options at the same consultation. The size of the department, as measured by cases seen per year, did not correlate with the consultation time although it did with the numerous different issues discu ssed. Whilst the survey supports the need and desire for an appropriate cou nselling package, many surgeons feel that they alone know what the patient' s information needs are.