Experiences and preferences of patients visiting a head and neck oncology outpatient clinic: a qualitative study

Abstract

The objective of this study is to report on an in-depth evaluation of patient experiences and preferences at a Head and Neck Oncology outpatient clinic. A qualitative research design was used to determine the experiences and preferences of Head and Neck Cancer patients in an Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands. Head and Neck Cancer Patients, treated for at least 6 months at the Oncology Clinic, were included. A qualitative research design with patient interviews was used. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim to increase validity. Analysis was done with use of the template approach and qualitative data analysis software. Three of the six dimensions predominated in the interview: (1) respect for patients’ values, preferences and expressed need, (2) information, communication and education and (3) involvement of family and friends. The dimensions physical comfort; emotional support; coordination and integration of care were considered to be of less significance. The findings from this study resulted in a deeper understanding of patients’ experiences and preferences and can be useful in the transition towards a more patient-centered approach of health care.

Needs and preferences of patients regarding basal cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma care: a qualitative focus group study

“…It should be stressed that there were far more similarities than differences in preferences and needs between the BCC and SCC patient groups. In addition, qualitative studies with patients with melanoma and even patients with other types of cancers have demonstrated many similar themes, for example the need for more information and lack of trust in their GP . Whereas some needs and preferences may be relevant to all types of patients (e.g.…”

The empirical evidence underpinning the concept and practice of person-centred care for serious illness: a systematic review

“…The search summary flowchart following PRISMA guidelines is presented in figure 1. The search yielded 12,446 references following deduplication, and 18 studies/n=19 papers [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53][54] were retained and synthesised in this review. The characteristics of included studies are summarised in box 1.…”

“…All retained studies (n=18/18) reported data from high-income, Western countries. ► The Netherlands (n=5/18) [36][37][38][39][40] ► Canada (n=3/18) [41][42][43] ► Australia (n=3/18) 44 45 49 ► USA (n=2/18) 46 50 ► UK (n=1/18) 47 ► Ireland (n=1/18) 53 ► Norway (n=1/18) 48 ► Sweden (n=1/18) 54 ► Germany (n=1/18 study reported in n=2/18 papers) 51 52 Healthcare settings ► Hospital wards (n=5/18) 37 38 41 47 48 ► Residential aged care facilities (n=3/18) 44 45 54 ► Outpatient clinics (n=2/18) 36…”

“…n=3/18 studies focused on patients’ experiences and expectations of care in relation to predetermined ideas of PCC components. 36 49 50 …”

Value and Quality of Care in Head and Neck Oncology

“…Another parameter reflecting quality of care is how patients experience its delivery. It is important to know the needs and preferences of patients and assess their perceptions and experiences [87,88]. There are several methods to measure these preferences and experiences including interviews and the use of patient-reported experience (PRE) questionnaires.…”