faculty profile

Bethany Andrews Rhoten   PhD, RN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Assistant Professor

Bio

Dr. Rhoten's program of research focuses on the mental health implications of illness, identity, and lived experience. She received her nursing degree and PhD from Vanderbilt University where she also completed a postdoctoral fellowship. She also received a post-master's certificate as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from The University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Dr. Rhoten's current work focuses on improving mental health and reducing symptom burden for cancer survivors. She is an internationally recognized expert in head and neck cancer-related body image and sexuality issues. Dr. Rhoten serves as a qualitative methods and survey development and implementation consultant on several studies. She lives in Hermitage, Tennessee with her husband and four children.

Education

  • Post Master's Certificate, The University of Tennessee at Knoxville (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner)
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (Oncology Nursing Research)
  • PhD, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
  • MSN, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing (Acute Care Nurse Practitioner)
  • BS, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Current Research/Scholarly Interests

Dr. Rhoten is interested in research related to the mental health implications of illness, identity, and lived experience. Her other research interests include cancer survivorship, psychosocial implications of chronic illness and trauma, and LGBTQ+ health.

Academic Interests

Dr. Rhoten's teaching experience and expertise include health policy, survey and polling design, implementation, and analysis, conceptual foundations for health research, and utilizing informatics for scholarly inquiry.

Grants

OUT: The National Cancer Survey. Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation (Role: Co-PI) 2020-2021

Development and Pilot Testing of a Web-Based Intervention to Increase Coping Strategies for Navigating Body Image and Sexuality Concerns in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer. Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (Role: PI) 2019-2023

Head and Neck Cancer and Sexuality: Patient Priorities, Preferences, and Existing Self-Report Measures. American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant (Role: PI) 2017-2018.

A Patient-Centered Outcomes Study of Patient with Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer: Patient Priorities, Treatment Decision, Symptom Burden, Body Image, & Sexuality. Funded by the Vanderbilt Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Career Knowledge, Education and Training Program. K12 through Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. (Role: Trainee) 2014-2017

A Qualitative Examination of Sexual Function and Satisfaction with Sexual Activity after Head and Neck Cancer Treatment. Vanderbilt Institute for Clinical and Translational Research. (Role: PI). 2013-2014

Body Image and Functional Status in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. American Cancer Society. Doctoral Scholarship in Cancer Nursing. (Role: PI) 2012-2013

Representative Publications

Journals

Rhoten, BA, Jones AC, Maxwell C, Stolldorf DP. (accepted) Hospital adaptations to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic effects on medication reconciliation: a qualitative study of MARQUIS Toolkit implementation and sustainability. Journal for Healthcare Quality

Rhoten BA, Stolldorf DP, Young BC, David KA, Graboyes EM, Langerman AJ, Murphy BA, Ridner SH. (accepted) Development of the Body Image after Head and Neck Cancer Treatment (BI-HNC) Program. Journal of Head and Neck Nursing

Lentz TA, Stephens B, Abtahi A, Schwarz J, Rhoten BA, Block S, O'Brien A, Archer KR. (accepted) Leveraging web-based prediction calculators to set patient expectations for elective spine surgery: A qualitative study to inform implementation. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Frechman, EF, Buck HG, Dietrich MS, Rhoten, BA, Davis A, Maxwell CA. (accepted) Planning for aging and frailty: A qualitative study on older adults' perceptions, facilitators, and barriers. Journal of Aging and Longevity.

Frechman EF, Dietrich MS, Buck HG, Rhoten BA, Maxwell CA. (accepted) Readiness to plan for aging and frailty: Examining contextual factors. Journal of Gerontological Nursing.

Frechman E, Dietrich MS, Buck HG, Rhoten BA, Maxwell CA. PLAN: Preparing and Living for Aging Now; A descriptive study investigating older adults' readiness to plan for aging and frailty [published online ahead of print, 2022 Jul 29]. Geriatr Nurs. 2022;47:164-170. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.07.008

Macias D, Hand BN, Pipkorn P, Williams AM, Chang SS, Zenga J, Nilsen ML, Rhoten BA, Huang AT, Osazuwa-Peters N, Maurer S, Balliet W, Li H, Ruggiero KJ, Sterba KR, Graboyes EM. Association of Inventory to Measure and Assess Image Disturbance - Head and Neck Scores With Clinically Meaningful Body Image-Related Distress Among Head and Neck Cancer Survivors. Front Psychol. 2021 Dec 10;12:794038. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.794038. PMID: 34956022; PMCID: PMC8702522.

Abanes JJ, Ridner SH, Dietrich MS, Hiers C, Rhoten B. Acupuncture for Sleep Disturbances in Post-Deployment Military Service Members: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clin Nurs Res. 2022 Feb;31(2):239-250. doi: 10.1177/10547738211030602. Epub 2021 Jul 6. PMID: 34229475.

Macias D, Hand BN, Maurer S, Balliet W, Ellis MA, Pipkorn P, Huang AT, Nilsen ML, Ruggiero KJ, Williams AM, Marsh CH, Li H, Rhoten BA, Sterba KR, Graboyes EM. Factors Associated With Risk of Body Image-Related Distress in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 Dec 1;147(12):1019-1026. doi: 10.1001/jamaoto.2021.1378. PMID: 34236423; PMCID: PMC8267841. .

Abanes J, Ridner SH, Rhoten BA. Perceived benefits of brief acupuncture for sleep disturbances in postdeployment military service members. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021 Aug 1;17(8):1533-1543. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.9222. PMID: 33687323; PMCID: PMC8656920.

Gibson JS, Rhoten BA, Ridner SH, Claassen DO. Perceived effects of neuropsychiatric symptoms on functional status in early-stage Huntington's Disease. West J Nurs Res. 2022 Feb;44(2):141-150. doi: 10.1177/0193945921992545. Epub 2021 Feb 5. PMID: 33543680. .

Rhoten B, Burkhalter JE, Joo R, Mujawar I, Bruner D, Scout N, Margolies L. Impact of an LGBTQ Cultural Competence Training Program for Providers on Knowledge, Attitudes, Self- Efficacy and Intentions. J Homosex. 2021 Apr 27:1-12. doi: 10.1080/00918369.2021.1901505 Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33905307.

Gibson JS, Ridner SH, Dietrich MS, Sohn MB, Rhoten BA, Claassen DO. Measuring Functional Status in Huntington's Disease. Mov Disord. 2021 Mar;36(3):757-761. doi: 10.1002/mds.28363. Epub 2020 Oct 27. PMID: 33108688.

Bonomo P, Maruelli A, Saieva C, Taylor K, Singer S, Patelli Z, Rogers S, Mattavelli D, Simon C, Scotte F, de Oliveira TB, Murphy B, Rhoten BA, Tassini U, Fallon M, Gatidis ON, Yarom N, Bergamini C, Bossi P. Assessing Preferences in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Phase I and II of Questionnaire Development. Cancers (Basel). 2020 Nov 30;12(12):3577. doi: 10.3390/cancers12123577. PMID: 33266011; PMCID: PMC7760305.

Akard TF, Dietrich MS, Friedman DL, Wray S, Gerhardt CA, Hendricks-Ferguson V, Hinds PS, Rhoten B, Gilmer MJ. Randomized Clinical Trial of a Legacy Intervention for Quality of Life in Children with Advanced Cancer. J Palliat Med. 2021 May;24(5):680-688. doi: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0139. Epub 2020 Sep 30. PMID: 32996842; PMCID: PMC8064943.

Rhoten BA, Sellers JI, Baraff B, Holler KH, Ridner SH. A qualitative examination of patient priorities and preferences during treatment decision-making for recurrent head and neck cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2021 Jan;29(1):377-385. doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05488-9. Epub 2020 May 6. PMID: 32377842; PMCID: PMC7644586.

Rhoten BA, Davis AJ, Baraff BN, Holler KH, Dietrich MS. Priorities and Preferences of Patients With Head and Neck Cancer for Discussing and Receiving Information About Sexuality and Perception of Self-Report Measures. J Sex Med. 2020 Aug;17(8):1529-1537. doi: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.04.001. Epub 2020 May 13. PMID: 32417203; PMCID: PMC7664992.

Abanes J, Hiers C, Rhoten B, Dietrich MS, Ridner SH. Feasibility and Acceptability of a Brief Acupuncture Intervention for Service Members with Perceived Stress. Mil Med. 2020 Feb 13;185(1-2):e17-e22. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usz132. PMID: 31247110.

Natavio T, McQuillen E, Dietrich MS, Wells N, Rhoten BA, Vallerand AH, Monroe TB. A Comparison of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate (PACSLAC) and Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia Scale (PAINAD). Pain Manag Nurs. 2020 Dec;21(6):502-509. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2020.04.001. Epub 2020 May 29. PMID: 32475696.

Doersam JK, Dietrich MS, Adair MA, Rhoten B, Deng J, Ridner SH. A Comparison of Symptoms Among Patients with Head and Neck or Truncal Lymphedema and Normal Controls. Lymphat Res Biol. 2019 Dec;17(6):661-670. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2019.0034. Epub 2019 Aug 5. PMID: 31381475; PMCID: PMC6919259.

Rhoten BA, Sellers J, Charron E, Paul N, Radina M. Sexual activity after treatment for head and neck cancer: the experience of survivors. Cancer Nursing Practice. 2019 Mar;18(3):22-28. doi: 10.7748/cnp.2019.e1461

Ridner SH, Rhoten BA, Niermann KJ, Murphy BA, Dietrich MS. Vanderbilt head and neck symptom survey, version 2.0: Clinical and research utility for identification of symptom clusters and changes in symptoms over time. Oral Oncol. 2018 Aug;83:25-31. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2018.05.024. Epub 2018 Jun 9. PMID: 30098775.

Rhoten BA, Murphy BA, Dietrich MS, Ridner SH. Depressive symptoms, social anxiety, and perceived neck function in patients with head and neck cancer. Head Neck. 2018 Jul;40(7):1443-1452. doi: 10.1002/hed.25129. Epub 2018 Mar 23. PMID: 29573016; PMCID: PMC6037559.

Aulino JM, Wulff-Burchfield EM, Dietrich MS, Ridner SH, Niermann KJ, Deng J, Rhoten BA, Doersam JK, Jarrett LA, Mannion K, Murphy BA. Evaluation of CT Changes in the Head and Neck After Cancer Treatment: Development of a Measurement Tool. Lymphat Res Biol. 2018 Feb;16(1):69-74. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2017.0024. PMID: 29432066; PMCID: PMC5810430.

Rhoten BA. Conceptual Issues Surrounding Body Image for Oncology Nurses. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2017 Sep 1;44(5):534-536. doi: 10.1188/17.ONF.534-536. PMID: 28820509.

Rhoten BA & Dietrich M. Recurrent head and neck cancer: body image and concerns about sexuality. Cancer Nursing Practice. 2017 Apr;16(5): 27-33. doi: 10.7748/cnp.2017.e1423

Rhoten BA. Body image disturbance in adults treated for cancer - a concept analysis. J Adv Nurs. 2016 May;72(5):1001-11. doi: 10.1111/jan.12892. Epub 2016 Jan 8. PMID: 26748811.

Ridner SH, Rhoten BA, Radina ME, Adair M, Bush-Foster S, Sinclair V. Breast cancer survivors' perspectives of critical lymphedema self-care support needs. Support Care Cancer. 2016 Jun;24(6):2743-50. doi: 10.1007/s00520-016-3089-2. Epub 2016 Jan 26. PMID: 26810422.

Rhoten BA. Head and Neck Cancer and Sexuality: A Review of the Literature. Cancer Nurs. 2016 Jul-Aug;39(4):313-20. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000289. PMID: 26252435.

Rhoten BA, Radina M, Adair M, Sinclair V, Ridner SH. Hide and seek: body image-related issues for breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. J Womens Health, Issues Care. 2015 Feb; 4(2). doi:10.4172/2325-9795.1000180

Rhoten BA, Deng J, Dietrich MS, Murphy B, Ridner SH. Body image and depressive symptoms in patients with head and neck cancer: an important relationship. Support Care Cancer. 2014 Nov;22(11):3053-60. doi: 10.1007/s00520-014-2312-2. Epub 2014 Jun 14. PMID: 24925049; PMCID: PMC4184937.

Ridner SH, Shih YC, Doersam JK, Rhoten BA, Schultze BS, Dietrich MS. A pilot randomized trial evaluating lymphedema self-measurement with bioelectrical impedance, self-care adherence, and health outcomes. Lymphat Res Biol. 2014 Dec;12(4):258-66. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2014.0017. PMID: 25412401; PMCID: PMC4267706.

Ridner SH, Bonner CM, Doersam JK, Rhoten BA, Schultze B, Dietrich MS. Bioelectrical impedance self-measurement protocol development and daily variation between healthy volunteers and breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. Lymphat Res Biol. 2014 Mar;12(1):2-9. doi: 10.1089/lrb.2013.0020. Epub 2014 Feb 6. PMID: 24502422; PMCID: PMC3961792.

Rhoten BA, Murphy B, Ridner SH. Body image in patients with head and neck cancer: a review of the literature. Oral Oncol. 2013 Aug;49(8):753-60. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.04.005. Epub 2013 May 14. PMID: 23683468.

Book Chapters

Rhoten BA. Theoretical Foundations of Body Image. In Fingeret M & Teo I (Eds.) Body Image Care for Cancer Patients. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2018

Ridner S, Deng J, Rhoten BA. Adherence and Quality of Life. In Lee B, Rockson S, Bergan J (Eds.) Lymphedema: A Concise Compendium of Theory and Practice, 2nd edition. London: Springer. 2018

Representative Presentations

Rhoten BA, Stolldorf DP, Young B, David K, Graboyes E, Niermann K, LaNoue M, Langerman A, Murphy BA, Ridner SH. (2022). Development of the Body Image after Head and Neck Cancer Treatment (BI-HNC) Program. Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer / International Society of Oral Oncology Annual Meeting on Supportive Care in Cancer. Toronto, Canada.

Rhoten BA. (2021). Cancer treatment changed my body - Who am I now? 19th Annual Fall Cancer Conference: Out of the Shadows - Bringing taboo cancer topics into the light. Carbone Cancer Center. Madison, Wisconsin.

Rhoten BA, Dietrich MS, Karp S, Lutenbacher M, Maxwell C, Ridner SH, Schirle L, Stolldorf D, Weiner B. (2020). PhD Candidacy Exam Evaluation and Modification at a Research-Intensive University School of Nursing. American Association of Colleges of Nursing Doctoral Conference. Naples, FL

Rhoten BA, Davis A. (2019). Head and Neck Cancer Survivors' Perceptions of Self-Report Measures used to Assess Sexuality. 20th Annual Fall Scientific Meeting of Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Nashville, TN.

Rhoten BA (2019). Head and Neck Cancer Patient Priorities and Preferences for Discussing and Receiving Information about Sexuality from Healthcare Professionals. Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer / International Society of Oral Oncology Annual Meeting on Supportive Care in Cancer. San Francisco, CA.

Rhoten BA. (2019) Body Image and Sexuality Research in Head and Neck Cancer. Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer / International Society of Oral Oncology Annual Meeting on Supportive Care in Cancer. San Francisco, CA.

Rhoten BA. (2017) Body image and sexuality in patients with head and neck cancer: lessons learned from a preliminary program of research. International Conference on Nursing Science and Practice. Dallas, TX

Rhoten BA. (2017). Patient centered outcomes research. Southern Nursing Research Society Annual Conference. Dallas, TX.

Rhoten BA, Sellers J, Charron E, Ridner S. (2016). Supporting patients with a diagnosis of recurrent head and neck cancer: patient-centered information for oncology nurse clinicians. Oncology Nursing Society 41st Annual Congress. San Antonio, TX

Rhoten BA. (2016) Body image and sexuality concerns of patients with recurrent head and neck cancer. International Conference on Cancer Nursing. Hong Kong, China.

Rhoten BA. (2016) Recurrent head and neck cancer: patient decision-making. International Conference on Cancer Nursing. Hong Kong, China.

Rhoten BA. (2016) Lymphedema and sexuality. The National Lymphedema Network International Conference. Dallas, TX.

Rhoten BA. (2015) Sex and head and neck cancer: the lived experience of survivors. World Congress of Psycho-Oncology. Washington, DC.

Rhoten BA (2015). Barriers to Sexual Activity after Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer: A Qualitative Approach. 21st Annual Fall Scientific Meeting of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. Las Vegas, NV.

Rhoten BA (2015). Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer: A Patient Centered Outcomes Study. Translational Science Meeting 2015. Washington, DC.

Rhoten BA (2014). State of the Science: Sexuality and Head and Neck Cancer - Information for Oncology Nurses. Oncology Nursing Society 39th Annual Congress. Anaheim, CA.

Rhoten BA, Radina E, Adair M, Sinclair V, & Ridner S. (2014). Body Image-Related Issues for Breast Cancer Survivors with Lymphedema. Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer International Symposium on Supportive Care 2014. Miami, FL.

Rhoten BA, Radina E, Adair M, Sinclair V, & Ridner S. (2014). Barriers to Lymphedema Self-Care. Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer International Symposium on Supportive Care 2014. Miami, FL.

Rhoten BA. (2014). Body image in the context of illness: a concept analysis. Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science - 2014 State of the Science Congress on Nursing Research. Washington, DC.

Rhoten BA. (2014) Body image-related issues for breast cancer survivors with lymphedema. The National Lymphedema Network International Conference. Washington, DC.

Rhoten BA, Radina M, Adair M, Sinclair V, Ridner S. (2014) State of the Science: Sexuality and Head and Neck Cancer - Information for Oncology Nurses. International Conference on Cancer Nursing. Panama City, Panama.

Rhoten BA, Ridner S, Deng J, Dietrich M, & Murphy B (2013). Body Image, Social Anxiety, and Viral-Related Tumors in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer. Oncology Nursing Society - Connections: Advancing Care Through Science Conference. Dallas, TX.

Andrews B. & Ridner, S. (2012). Comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment body image related quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer. The National Lymphedema Network International Conference. Dallas, TX.

Rhoten, BA, Ridner, S, & Dietrich M. (2012). Depressive symptoms and neck related functional deficits in patients with head and neck cancer. Oncology Nursing Society - Connections: Advancing Care Through Science Conference. Phoenix, AZ

Jarrett, L, Rhoten, BA. Ridner, S. Murphy, B. & Wells, N. (2012). Pain in the home hospice setting: a view from the inside. Oncology Nursing Society - Connections: Advancing Care Through Science Conference. Phoenix, AZ

Jarrett, L., Andrews, B., Ridner, S., Murphy, B., & Wells, N. (2012). Pain Assessment and Management in the Outpatient Hospice Setting: Perspectives of Patients, Caregivers, and Physicians. American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine 2012 Annual Assembly, Denver, CO.

Reviewer

  • Editorial board member for Frontiers in Psychology - Psycho-Oncology
  • Manuscript reviewer for Journal of Advanced Nursing, Cancer, Head and Neck, Psycho-Oncology, European Journal of Cancer Care, Journal of Supportive Care in Cancer, Nursing Inquiry, Journal of Women's Health, Body Image, Journal of Family Issues, JAMA Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Frontiers in Health Services, Journal of Public Health, Global Qualitative Nursing Research, Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research, Journal of Cancer Survivorship,
  • Abstract reviewer for International Conference on Cancer Nursing, National Lymphedema Network, Oncology Nursing Society
  • Grant reviewer for Dutch Cancer Society

Professional Organizations

  • American Nurses Association
  • Tennessee Nurses Association
  • Oncology Nursing Society
  • International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care
  • Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer
  • International Society of Oral Oncology
  • Junior League of Nashville

Honors/Awards

  • Valere Potter Distinguished Dean's Faculty Fellow, VUSN, 2018-2020
  • Sexual Tipping Point Mental Health Award, Sexual Medicine Society of North America & The MAP Education & Research Foundation, 2019
  • Dean Colleen Conway-Welch Teaching Award, VUSN, 2018
  • Research Nurse of the Year, March of Dimes, 2018
  • American Nurse's Advocacy Institute Fellow, American Nurses Association, 2014
  • Dean's Award for Excellence in Writing, VUSN, 2013
  • Graduate Student Nurse of the Year, March of Dimes, 2012

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