What is the hold up?-Mixed-methods analysis of postoperative radiotherapy delay in head and neck cancer.
Head Neck
; 42(10): 2948-2957, 2020 10.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33174308
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Delays in postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) increase the risk for recurrence and mortality. The multifactorial nature of delays calls for an in-depth understanding of potential contributors from the patient's and provider's perspectives. We sought to identify causes of delays in adjuvant radiotherapy initiation for HNC.METHODS:
We performed a mixed-methods study including patients with HNC care team members. Forty in-depth interviews were performed (26 patients; 14 care team members). Timing and demographic data were collected from medical records.RESULTS:
Median time from surgery to radiotherapy initiation was 45 days; 15 participants began after 42 days. Process delays and failure to communicate the urgency and significance of PORT initiation contributes to delays. Patients with a strong social support system experience less delays.CONCLUSIONS:
Achieving reductions in PORT initiation requires efficient care coordination, improved communication between interdisciplinary teams, and strengthening social support systems for patients with HNC.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Oncología por Radiación
/
Neoplasias de Cabeza y Cuello
Tipo de estudio:
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Head Neck
Asunto de la revista:
NEOPLASIAS
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Estados Unidos