What are the functional outcomes and service experiences of patients with head and neck cancer treated during the COVID-19 pandemic?

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Head and neck cancer (HNC) care was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to explore the functional outcomes and service experiences of patients with HNC treated during and prior the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Mixed methods were used to (1) retrospectively compare HNC patients' functional outcomes and allied health service usage across two time-controlled cohorts and (2) understand the experiences of HNC care using validated surveys and qualitative interviews.

Results

Retrospective data was extracted for 78 participants (pre-COVID-19, n = 43; during-COVID-19, n = 35), with n = 28 and n = 18 completing surveys and an interview, respectively. Significant differences were found in service modality between groups with signif

SUBMITTER: Day S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11362178 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature