Needs and preferences of patients with head and neck cancer in integrated care

Abstract

Objectives

Incorporation of patients' perspectives in daily practice is necessary to adapt care to users' needs. However, information on patients' needs and preferences for integrated care is lacking. The aim was to explore these needs and preferences, taking patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) as example, to adapt current integrated care to be more patient-centered.

Design

Semi-structured interviews were held with current and former patients and chairmen of patient associations. Relevant needs and preferences were identified and categorized using the eight-dimension Picker model of patient-centered care.

Setting

Integrated HNC in the Netherlands.

Participants

HNC-patients and chairmen of two Dutch HNC-patient associations.

Main outcome measures

Patients' needs and preferences of integrated HNC care categorized according the Picker model.

Results

A total of 34 themes of needs and preferences were identified, by 14 HNC-patients or their delegates, using the Picker dimensions. Themes often emerged were: personalization of healthcare regarding patients values, clear insight into the healthcare process at organizational level, use of personalized communication, education and information that meets patients requirements, adequate involvement of allied health professionals for physical support, more attention to the impact of HNC and its treatment, adequate involvement of family and friends, adequate general practitioner involvement in the after care, and waiting time reduction.

Conclusions

Monitoring the identified themes in integrated HNC care, fitting in the Picker model, will enable us to respond better to the needs and preferences of patients and patient-centered care in oncological care can be enhanced.

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