Abstract
BackgroundThe incidents of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) are rising worldwide, suggesting that this type of cancer is becoming more common. The foreseen growth of incidents signifies that future rehabilitation services will have to meet the needs of a wider population.ObjectiveThe aim of this paper is to explore the needs of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals during HNC rehabilitation.MethodsThis paper reports the empirical findings from a case study that was conducted in a cancer rehabilitation center in Copenhagen to elicit the needs of HNC cancer patients, informal caregivers and healthcare professionals.ResultsFour areas of needs during the rehabilitation process were identified: service delivery, emotional, social and physical needs. Service delivery needs and emotional needs have been identified as the most prevalent.ConclusionsStakeholders’ needs during the rehabilitation process were found to be interrelated. All stakeholders faced service delivery challenges in the form of provision and distribution of information, including responsibilities allocation between municipalities, hospitals and rehabilitation services. Emotional and social needs have been reported by HNC patients and informal caregivers, underlining the importance of inclusion of all actors in the design of future healthcare interventions. Connected Health (CH) solutions could be valuable in provision and distribution of information.
Highlights
In 2016, a milestone has been reached and for the first time Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) was acknowledged to resemble a chronic illness [1]
We address the following research question: What are the needs of the different stakeholders during Head and Neck cancer rehabilitation in the Danish context? We explored this research question by analyzing a case study that was conducted at the Center for Kræft og Sundhed København (CKSK), during a service design course for a Master’s degree
I was totally far away when I was given the information.”. These findings indicate how important it is for patients to receive information in a comprehensive way in order to have an overview of their cancer treatment and rehabilitation process
Summary
In 2016, a milestone has been reached and for the first time Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) was acknowledged to resemble a chronic illness [1]. HNC has been recognized as one of the few cancer types that requires anticipatory treatment and prolonged rehabilitation [2]. Objective: The aim of this paper is to explore the needs of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals during HNC rehabilitation. Methods: This paper reports the empirical findings from a case study that was conducted in a cancer rehabilitation center in Copenhagen to elicit the needs of HNC cancer patients, informal caregivers and healthcare professionals. Results: Four areas of needs during the rehabilitation process were identified: service delivery, emotional, social and physical needs. Emotional and social needs have been reported by HNC patients and informal caregivers, underlining the importance of inclusion of all actors in the design of future healthcare interventions. Connected Health (CH) solutions could be valuable in provision and distribution of information
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
