The impact of home enteral feeding on the daily lives of people with head and neck cancer: a metasynthesis of qualitative studies.

In many cases, initial feelings of change and loss as a result of HEF were replaced with empowerment, adaptation and acceptance following a period of adjustment. Despite the challenges associated with HEF, participants acknowledged its purpose as being functional, as well as reassuring. Future research should explore barriers and facilitators to self-management and patient empowerment amongst those receiving HEF.