Mrs Nicole O’Donnell1,5, Prof Elizabeth Ward1,2, A/Prof Laurelie Wishart1,4,6, Ms Rishni Perera1, A/Prof Rahul Ladwa3,7
1School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, 2Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia, 3Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia, 4Metro North Health, Brisbane, Australia, 5Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Queensland Health, Sunshine Coast, Australia, 6School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia, 7School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Prof Ward is a speech pathologist and is the Director of the Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Metro South Health, Queensland Health, and a conjoint Professor at The University of Queensland. With over 450 publications she is an international leader in the field of speech pathology. A key area of her research activity over the past 30 years has been improving the management, care and supports for people with head and neck cancer (HNC) through embedded, health services research. Her work has led to multiple service changes that have directly improved care for people with head and neck cancer.
Abstract:
Purpose:
This study aims to explore the perspectives of cancer care workers (clinicians, team leaders, allied health managers) regarding the supportive care needs of head and neck cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy. This will assist in understanding the gaps in existing care pathways and inform the development of a new model of care to address the needs of this population.
Nature/scope:
Allied health support for patients undergoing traditional treatment modalities (chemotherapy, radiation, surgery) is well understood, with clear clinical pathways and models of care embedded in standard practice. Immunotherapy, an emerging treatment modality for the management of locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer, presents new challenges.
Issue:
This study explores insights of cancer care professionals regarding supportive allied health care for this patient population. The interviews revealed several key themes: the necessity for a clear care pathway, the importance of care coordination, awareness and concern around the increasing referrals and subsequent unmet need, the complexity and comorbidity of these patients, the need to support psychological wellbeing, and the importance of early identification and intervention for treatment-related symptoms.
Outcome:
These findings highlight the need for increased understanding of the role of allied health professionals in this area to inform high value care pathways with a focus on early identification of treatment related toxicities. The feedback from staff reflects that existing allied health models for head and neck cancer patients do not adequately meet the needs of those undergoing immunotherapy, pointing to the necessity for a new, tailored model of care