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Ellis J, von Mücke Similon M, Korman MB, den Otter-Moore S, Murray A, Higgins K, Enepekides D, Jacobson M. Using the Delphi Method to Elucidate Patient and Caregiver Experiences of Cancer Care. J Patient Exp 2022; 9:23743735221092633. [PMID: 35450086 PMCID: PMC9016525 DOI: 10.1177/23743735221092633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Identify the most salient elements of the head and neck cancer
(HNC) care experience described by patients and caregivers in focus group interviews.
Methods: Three focus groups of patients and caregivers were facilitated by
research assistants and clinicians. Open-ended guiding questions captured/elicited aspects
of care that were appreciated, warranted improvement, or enhanced communication and
information. A four-step Delphi process derived consensus among focus group facilitators
(n = 5) regarding salient discussion points from focus group conversations.
Results: Seven salient themes were identified: (1) information provision,
(2) burden related to symptoms and treatment side effects, (3) importance of social
support, (4) quality of care at both hospital and provider levels, (5) caring for the
person, not just treating cancer, (6) social and emotional impact of HNC, and (7) stigma
and insufficient information regarding human papillomavirus-related HNC.
Conclusion: Participants reported varying needs and support preferences, a
desire for individualized communication, and to feel cared for as both a person and a
patient. Findings illuminate the intricate details underlying high-quality, compassionate,
person-centered HNC cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Ellis
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Melissa B Korman
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Alva Murray
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Higgins
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danny Enepekides
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marlene Jacobson
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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