Exploring the views of patients' and their family about patient-initiated follow-up in head and neck cancer: A mixed methods study.
Eur J Cancer Care (Engl)
; 31(6): e13641, 2022 Nov.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-35789510
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this work was to explore head and neck cancer (HNC) patients' and their family members' views on acceptability and feasibility of patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU), including concerns and anticipated benefits.METHODS:
Patients were recruited from UK HNC clinics, support groups and advocacy groups. They completed a survey (n = 144) and/or qualitative interview (n = 30), three with a family member. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, quantitative data using descriptive statistics.RESULTS:
Preference for follow-up care in HNC was complex and individual. Many patients thought PIFU could beneficially reallocate health care resources and encourage self-management. Patients' main concerns with PIFU were losing the reassurance of regular clinic appointments and addressing mental well-being needs within PIFU, possibly using peer support. Patients were concerned about their ability to detect recurrence due to lack of expertise and information. They emphasised the importance of a reliable, direct and easy urgent appointment service and of feeling supported and heard by clinicians. Patients believed family and friends need support.CONCLUSION:
PIFU may be feasible and acceptable for certain HNC patients, providing it addresses support for mental well-being, provides quick, reliable and direct clinician access and information on "red flag" symptoms, and ensures patients and their caregivers feel supported.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Autogestão
/
Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço
Tipo de estudo:
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Qualitative_research
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article