Speech pathology service enhancement for people with head and neck cancer living in rural areas: Using a concept mapping approach to inform service change

Background Speech pathology (SP) services provide swallowing and communication intervention to people with head and neck cancer (HNC) across the continuum of care. However, difficulties exist with access and delivery of services in rural areas. The study aim was to identify actionable goals for SP c...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Head & neck 2021-11, Vol.43 (11), p.3504-3521
Main Authors: Foley, Jasmine, Ward, Elizabeth C., Burns, Clare L., Nund, Rebecca L., Wishart, Laurelie, Graham, Nicky, Patterson, Corey, Ashley, Amy, Fink, Julie, Tiavaasue, Emily, Comben, Wendy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Concept mapping
Head & neck cancer
head and neck cancer
Mapping
Multidimensional scaling
Multivariate analysis
regional and remote
rural health
service delivery
service enhancement
Speech
speech pathology
Speech therapy
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Summary:Background Speech pathology (SP) services provide swallowing and communication intervention to people with head and neck cancer (HNC) across the continuum of care. However, difficulties exist with access and delivery of services in rural areas. The study aim was to identify actionable goals for SP change, utilizing a concept mapping approach. Methods Eleven SP staff from two regional/remote services completed the concept mapping process. Multivariate analysis and multidimensional scaling were used to develop a final set of prioritized goals for change. Results Between the two participating health services, 30 actionable goals were identified within the “green‐zone” on the go‐zone graph of importance and changeability. Among the most highly rated areas for change was the need to deliver and receive more support for training, mentoring, and supervision to consolidate skills. Conclusions This methodology enabled identification of prioritized, actionable changes to improve SP services for people with HNC living in regional/remote areas.
ISSN:1043-3074
1097-0347
DOI:10.1002/hed.26850