Qualitative study to inform the design and contents of a patient-reported symptom-based risk stratification system for patients referred from primary care on a suspected head and neck cancer diagnostic pathway
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Developing a patient-reported symptom system for head and neck cancer requires clear language and addressing patient emotional needs. Clinicians need validated risk scores for effective triage and patient reassurance.
Area Of Science
- Oncology
- Healthcare Informatics
- Patient Experience
Background
- Head and neck cancer diagnosis pathways require improvement.
- Patient-reported outcomes are crucial for effective cancer care.
- Current diagnostic processes may not fully capture patient experiences or symptom nuances.
Purpose Of The Study
- To inform the development of a patient-reported symptom questionnaire for head and neck cancer.
- To outline requirements for a patient-reported symptom-based risk stratification system.
- To explore clinician and patient experiences within the head and neck cancer diagnostic pathway.
Main Methods
- Qualitative study using clinic consultation observations and semi-structured interviews.
- Rapid qualitative analysis approach for concurrent data collection and analysis.
- Involved 156 adults referred for suspected head and neck cancer and 21 clinicians across three UK NHS Trusts.
Main Results
- Identified key symptoms and language used by patients and clinicians.
- Patients emphasized the need for in-person support, human decision-making, accessible reporting systems, and data security.
- Clinicians highlighted the need for validated risk scores for trust and triage, and patient accessibility.
Conclusions
- Patient-reported symptom systems must use understandable language and address emotional needs.
- Validated risk stratification tools can support clinical decision-making in head and neck cancer diagnosis.
- Understanding the impact of language in healthcare interactions is vital for patient-centered care.
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