The psychosocial needs of head and neck cancer patients: a multicenter study

• Published in: European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology 2024-09, Vol.281 (9), p.4913-4920
• Main Authors: Ferri, Andrea, Lilloni, Giovanni, Molteni, Gabriele, Grammatica, Alberto, Ronzani, Guglielmo, Gennarini, Francesca, Montenegro, Claudia, Borriello, Gerardo, Dell’Aversana Orabona, Giovanni, Sivero, Stefania
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Head and Neck; Head and Neck Neoplasms - psychology; Head and Neck Neoplasms - therapy; Head and Neck Surgery; Humans; Italy; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Needs Assessment; Neurosurgery; Otorhinolaryngology; Patient Education as Topic; Social Support; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0937-4477; 1434-4726; 1434-4726
• DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08680-3

Introduction Cancer is among the most frequent pathologies and a major cause of death and disability. Scientific research and surgeons focus mainly on aspects relating to etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment, but often neglect the psychological needs of patients and related social factors. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychological and social needs of patients affected by head and neck cancer to improve patient management and achieve more empathetic care. Materials and methods The Need Evaluation Questionnaire (NEQ) was administered to adult patients who had to undergo surgery in 4 Italian tertiary head and neck cancer centers the day before the operation. Results 188 patients affected by stage I-IV head and neck tumors were enrolled. The main needs expressed by patients fall under the categories of either “information and dialogue”, (64.3% more information about future conditions, 50% more information about treatments, 45% more information about the diagnosis, 44% more reassurance) or “spiritual support” (50% need to talk to someone who had the same experience as them). Conclusions Common methods of explaining diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis have proven unsatisfactory to patients and most also require more psychosocial support. This highlights the need to implement interventions and activities that are increasingly geared toward supporting the psychological and relational aspects of the care journey.