title: The information needs of patients with head and neck cancer and their caregivers: a short report of instrument development and testing.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study aimed to assess the reliability and scaling assumptions of an information needs questionnaire for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and their caregivers.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Patients with HNC have specific information needs but no tools exist that can simultaneously assess the needs among these patients and their caregivers.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Head and Neck Information Needs Questionnaire (HaNiQ) was adapted from a validated information needs questionnaire for breast cancer patients. Participants were recruited from two regionally-defined cancer services in NSW, Australia. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Scaling assumptions, specifically item convergent and discriminant validity, were assessed using multi-trait scaling analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The HaNiQ showed good internal consistency reliability for both patients and caregivers (Cronbach's alpha=0.94 for both) and scaling assumptions were met, with acceptable item convergent and discriminant validity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The HaNiQ appears reliable, and would benefit from further testing.
authors.affiliation: Sydney South West Local Health District, Cancer Institute NSW, NSW Oncology Group - Head & Neck cancer, C/- Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool hospital, Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool BC NSW 1871, Australia. Luci.Dall'Armi@sswahs.nsw.gov.auv
authors.forename: Luci
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dall'Armi
authors.forename: Grahame K
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Dion
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Forstner
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Jessica K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Roydhouse
authors.forename: Kathryn J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D009517:New South Wales; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires