Research on the psychosocial aspects of head and neck cancer surgery (except laryngectomy) .4. Present research and targets for future research

The literature on the psychosocial aspects of head and neck cancer surgery from 1950 to 1995 was reviewed in four parts. In the present Part 4 ten possibly useful targets for future research are formulated: 1. An increase in the comparability of research data; 2. Comparisons of therapeutic alternatives; 3. Identification of psychosocial high-risk patients; 4. Studies on psychotherapeutic interventions; 5. Expanded of the knowledge about preventive work; 6. Searches for new possibilities for widening communication by the treating team; 7. Better understanding of ethical restrictions to surgery; 8. Exploration of psychosocial factors with potentially etiologic importance; 9. Methods for using qualitative approaches to research; 10. Creation of a community of researchers.