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. 2025 Jul 16;10(4):e70204.
doi: 10.1002/lio2.70204. eCollection 2025 Aug.

Exploratory Qualitative Analysis of Needs Assessment and Obstacles Faced by Head and Neck Cancer Patients in Central Pennsylvania

Karen Y Choi  1 , Kimberly Chan  1 , Erika VanDyke  2 , Lauren J Van Scoy  2
Affiliations

Exploratory Qualitative Analysis of Needs Assessment and Obstacles Faced by Head and Neck Cancer Patients in Central Pennsylvania

Karen Y Choi et al. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. .

Abstract

Background: We sought to identify the needs and obstacles in a rural head and neck cancer (HNC) patient population to address potential gaps in healthcare delivery and resources for this patient population.

Methods: Thirty-minute semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 HNC patients. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. A conceptual framework adapted from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's five healthcare activities was used.

Results: Three themes emerged highlighting the importance of care coordination between treatment facilities, prioritizing quality of life metrics, and emphasizing patients' desire to be treated close to home.

Conclusion: This study identified several important themes that should be prioritized when implementing a successful multidisciplinary HNC center. Patients highly value communication among treatment teams, emphasizing the benefits of the role of a cancer nurse coordinator who can serve as the primary liaison for patients and ensure their needs are addressed.

Level of evidence: 6.

Keywords: barriers; care coordination; head and neck cancer; multidisciplinary; rural health.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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