Evaluation of the quality of the information received during head and neck cancer announcement: Prospective two-center study

Head Neck. 2020 Aug;42(8):1800-1810. doi: 10.1002/hed.26109. Epub 2020 Feb 24.

Abstract

Background: Providing patient with cancer with appropriate information following the disclosure of a cancer diagnosis has multiple benefits. The objective was to evaluate the quality of the information received during an announcement for head and neck cancer and to determine predictive factors.

Methods: We conducted a prospective two-center study using self-questionnaires to assess the patient's perception of the quality of the announcement.

Results: Satisfaction scores on the information provided about the overall disease were 7.7/10. The main positive predictors of quality were a satisfactory consultation setting (P = .004), assessment of pain by a physician (P = .04), physician availability (P = .003), accurate information about tumor stage, quality of information regarding the type (P < .0001) and purpose (P = .001) of treatment and its side effects (P = .006), and the interview with the oncology nurse coordinator (P < .05).

Conclusions: Patients who received the announcement of head and neck cancer perceived the information received during the pretherapeutic period as satisfactory.

MeSH terms

  • Head and Neck Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality of Life
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Surveys and Questionnaires