Effect of Guided Imagery for Radiotherapy-Related Distress in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

GI is a relaxation technique involving the visualization of images and is considered an adjuvant cancer therapy.The GI intervention will include two hour-long meetings between the participant and a trained interventionist. The sessions will include direct, written, and audio delivery of one of three GI vignettes. The patient will be able to choose one of the three vignettes. The approximately twelve minute long vignettes included in the study will be: Taking a Walk, Healthy Cell Alliance for Treatment, and Daily Intention (32). Patients will also be given access to psychosocial support resources (i.e., clinical psychologists and social workers) at University of Colorado Cancer Center.

This will include a tour of the treatment room and education about RT. Patients will also receive educational materials about RT including the process of RT and CT simulation, treatment side effects, pain management, and swallowing exercises. Participants in this condition will also have access to psychosocial support resources (i.e., clinical psychologists and social workers) at University of Colorado Cancer Center.