Effect of “timing it right” on comprehensive unmet needs and psychological pain in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy: a randomized controlled trial

Purpose We assessed the effectiveness of “timing it right” (TIR) applications in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer through a carefully designed TIR intervention program. The assessment in this study emphasized the impact of the TIR intervention on the unmet needs and psychological pain of patients with head and neck cancer at different stages of radiotherapy. Methods In total, 140 radiotherapy patients were randomly recruited into two study groups: (1) the TIR intervention group received routine nursing follow-up and comprehensive nursing intervention based on TIR, and (2) the control group received routine nursing care. Assessments were conducted at baseline, before discharge, and 3 months and 6 months after discharge. The comprehensive needs and psychological pain of patients with radiotherapy were measured using the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool in Cancer for Patients (CNAT) and the Distress Thermometer (DT), respectively. A linear mixed model was applied to analyze the effects. Results A total of 137 patients completed the study. Compared to the control group, the TIR group showed significant improvements in information needs, health and psychological problems, healthcare staff, physical symptoms, health facilities and services, religious/spiritual support, and psychological pain ( F =8.503, p =0.004; F =1.896, p =0.003; F =12.422, p< 0.001; F =9.634, p =0.001; F =7.310, p =0.006; F =1.684, p =0.009; F =1.692, p =0.041). In addition to practical support, the remaining indicators differed significantly by time point, group, and group-time interaction. Conclusions The patient support application based on TIR can effectively address unmet needs and improve psychological pain, supporting TIR as an effective psychological management and intervention strategy for radiotherapy patients in the early stage of long-term rehabilitation. Trial registration Chictr.org.cn Chi CTR2100047960.