Considerations for Developing Supportive Care Interventions for Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Authors

Laura B. Oswald, Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Brandy Arredondo, Participant Research, Interventions, and Measurement Core, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Carley Geiss, Participant Research, Interventions, and Measurement Core, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Taylor F. Vigoureux, University of North Florida
Aasha I. Hoogland, Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Christine H. Chung, Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Jameel Muzaffar, Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Krupal B. Patel, Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Brian D. Gonzalez, Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Heather S. Jim, Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.
Kedar Kirtane, Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-20-2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe considerations for developing supportive care interventions targeted to head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors. METHODS: One-time semi-structured interviews (N = 33) were conducted with HNC survivors who had recently finished treatment (n = 20) and HNC providers (e.g., physicians, nurses; n = 13). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using inductive applied thematic analysis techniques to identify themes. RESULTS: HNC survivors (75% male; M = 61 years old) and providers (54% physicians; 62% female) were unanimously supportive of developing HNC-specific supportive care interventions. Participants described potential benefits of offering interventions at various points throughout the HNC treatment and survivorship trajectory rather than at a single critical time. Many participants preferred group-based interventions because of the high value of peer-support. Others described how group interventions may not be appropriate for all HNC survivors due to risks for negative social comparisons and exacerbated anxiety. Participants suggested topics that should be addressed in HNC-specific interventions including education about acute and long-term side effects, symptom management, nutritional support, relationship/social role changes, grief/loss, and fear of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: HNC-specific supportive care interventions are critically needed, as survivors experience persistent symptoms and distinct psychosocial concerns that impact quality of life. Findings from this study can inform the development of supportive care interventions targeted to the unique psychosocial concerns of HNC survivors.

Publication Title

Psycho-Oncology

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/pon.5985

PubMed ID

35726386

E-ISSN

1099-1611

Language

eng

Citation Information

Oswald, LB, Arredondo, B, Geiss, C, et al. Considerations for developing supportive care interventions for survivors of head and neck cancer: a qualitative study. Psycho-Oncology. 2022; 1- 8. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5985