FAQ
Head & Neck Cancer Virtual Coach is a mobile application to provide support for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who need or want to complete prophylactic swallowing exercises during or after radiation treatment. Such exercises have been shown to help individuals maintain the strength and function of the muscles used for swallowing. This may contribute to better long-term swallowing function and recovery from radiation treatment.
Head & Neck Cancer Virtual Coach is designed to last for the 7 weeks of radiation treatment. Users can choose to extend and use the program for a longer duration beyond the 7 weeks to further support recovery from radiation therapy. Users may also use selected exercises within the app as they choose without following the entire 7 weeks program. Users are encouraged to discuss use of the app with their speech and swallowing therapist to ensure the program is right for them.
People with head and neck cancer needing radiation as part of their treatment may benefit from the swallowing exercises provided by the HNC Virtual Coach. Please consult with your cancer care team before starting to use this program.
- Adults aged 18 years and older
- People able to speak and read the English language
- Have head and neck cancer that has not spread and will be treated with neck radiation
- Have head and neck cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx
- Have unknown primary head and neck cancer involving the lymph nodes that will be treated with neck radiation
- Have previously had head and neck cancer treated with neck radiation
- Have recurrent head and neck cancer
Yes, you must have either an Android or Apple iOS-based smartphone or tablet compatible with the Vibrent application to use the HNC Virtual Coach. You should also have access to a sufficient monthly data plan (approximately 200 MB/month), or Internet connection.
You will be asked to provide basic contact information to register and use the app. You may be asked to complete questionnaires and share information about your symptoms and feedback. You may track exercise completion through the application.
The exercises presented in the HNC Virtual Coach app are safe. They have been clinically validated and are presented by a licensed professional. Use of the HNC Virtual Coach app is voluntary. You use the application at your own risk. You may choose to stop using HNC Virtual Coach at any time.
HNC Virtual Coach users may benefit from the following:
- Educational content to support patients during the difficult experience of radiation treatment
- Video-based instruction on core swallow and jaw exercises led by a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)
- Direct support and tracking of your progress within the app
- Educational and challenge content covering the most relevant topics for head and neck cancers, like nutrition, empowerment, and connection with a support system
Your privacy is very important, and we will take great care to protect it. Please review the HNC Virtual Coach privacy policy for more details. If you have questions about this, please contact us at [email protected]
If you have questions please contact us.
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