Exploring the impact of remoteness on people with head and neck cancer: Utilisation of a state-wide dataset

Abstract

Objective: Living in regional/rural areas can impact outcomes for people with head and neck cancer (HNC). Using a comprehensive state-wide dataset, the impact of remoteness on key service parameters and outcomes for people with HNC was examined.

Methods: Retrospective quantitative analysis of routinely collected data held within the Queensland Oncology Repository.

Design: Quantitative methods (descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression and geospatial analysis).

Setting: All people diagnosed with HNC in Queensland, Australia.

Participants: The impact of remoteness was examined in 1991 people (1171 metropolitan, 485 inner-regional, 335 rural) with HNC cancer diagnosed between 2013 and 2015.

Main outcome measures: This paper reports key demographics and tumour characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status, First Nations status, co-morbidities, primary tumour site and staging), service use/uptake (treatment rates, attendance at multidisciplinary team review and timing to treatment) and post-acute outcomes (readmission rates, causes of readmission and 2-year survival). In addition to this, the distribution of people with HNC across QLD, distances travelled and patterns of readmission were also analysed.

Results: Regression analysis revealed remoteness significantly (p < 0.001) impacted access to MDT review, receiving treatment, and time to treatment commencement, but not readmission or 2-year survival. Reasons for readmission did not differ by remoteness, with dysphagia, nutritional inadequacies, gastrointestinal disorders and fluid imbalance indicated in the majority of readmissions. Rural people were significantly (p < 0.0001) more likely to travel to care and to readmit to a different facility than provided primary treatment.

Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the health care disparities for people with HNC residing in regional/rural areas.

Keywords: clinical outcomes; head and neck cancer; oncology; remote health delivery; rural health.