An Evaluation of Current Services Available for People Diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer in the UK (2009-2010)

Jeffreys, M.; Hughes, C.; Ness, A.; Persson, M.; Thomas, S.; Hughes, Cathy; Ness, Andy; Persson, Martin; Homer, J.; Jeffrey, M; Bradley, P.; Nutting, C.; Thomas, Sandy; Waylen, A.; Leary, S.

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate current care and service provision for people with head and neck cancer in the UK. Materials and Methods: Self-report questionnaires for cancer networks, clinical leads of oncology units and leads for multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) were designed. These questionnaires were based on a previous survey. Questionnaires were sent out between 2009 and 2010. Results: Questionnaires were received from all networks (n = 37), most oncology units (48 of 53) and most MDTs (51 of 63). Care for people with head and neck cancer is increasingly being provided by a centralised MDT. The membership of these teams varies; facilities available for team meetings are fit for purpose in most cases. MDTs are meeting frequently (weekly meetings in 96%) and discussing on average 18 cases at each meeting (95% confidence interval 15-21 cases). Most oncologists have access to all common anti-cancer drugs and most have access to all forms of radiotherapy. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy is not yet available in some oncology units (28%). A small number of units have only one oncologist (13%). Despite audit and research being part of the rationale for MDT working, regular discussion of morbidity and mortality is unusual (40%) and use of a database to record decisions is not universal. Only seven centres record decisions into the Data for Head and Neck Oncology database. Reported recruitment to studies is generally low (

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2012
• Journal: Clinical Oncology
• Print ISSN: 0936-6555
• Electronic ISSN: 1433-2981
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 187-192
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clon.2012.07.005
• Keywords: head and neck cancer, multidisciplinary teams
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/944953
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.clon.2012.07.005