Identification and management of late dysfunction in survivors of head and neck cancer: Implementation and outcomes of an interdisciplinary quality of life (IQOL) clinic

Background Identifying and treating late dysfunction in survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) is important; however, an effective way to do so is not established. Methods A quality improvement initiative altering our HNC survivorship clinic to include surveillance by rehabilitation providers was u...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Head & neck 2021-07, Vol.43 (7), p.2124-2135
Main Authors: Ebersole, Barbara, McCarroll, Liane, Ridge, John A., Liu, Jeffrey C., Bauman, Jessica, Donnelly, Steven, Galloway, Thomas J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Dysphagia
Head & neck cancer
head and neck cancer
Interdisciplinary aspects
late dysfunction
Quality control
Quality of life
Rehabilitation
Surveillance
Survival
survivorship
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Summary:Background Identifying and treating late dysfunction in survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC) is important; however, an effective way to do so is not established. Methods A quality improvement initiative altering our HNC survivorship clinic to include surveillance by rehabilitation providers was undertaken. The nature of dysfunction identified, along with the number and type of referrals to ancillary/support services were collected and compared to baseline. Results The baseline, single‐provider, clinic evaluated 61 patients and referred 2 (3%) to ancillary/support services. Fifty‐seven patients were evaluated in the interdisciplinary clinic, with 36 (63%) referred to at least one ancillary/support service for new/progressive dysfunction. Of 59 referrals made, 22 (37%) were for dysphagia, 17(29%) were for neck/shoulder dysfunction, and 28 (47%) were attended by the patient. Conclusion Many HNC survivors exhibit late dysfunction appropriate for referral to ancillary/support services. A survivorship clinic including surveillance by rehabilitation specialists may optimize identification of dysfunction.
ISSN:1043-3074
1097-0347
DOI:10.1002/hed.26681