title: Experiences and preferences of patients visiting a head and neck oncology outpatient clinic: a qualitative study.
abstract: The objective of this study is to report on an in-depth evaluation of patient experiences and preferences at a Head and Neck Oncology outpatient clinic. A qualitative research design was used to determine the experiences and preferences of Head and Neck Cancer patients in an Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands. Head and Neck Cancer Patients, treated for at least 6 months at the Oncology Clinic, were included. A qualitative research design with patient interviews was used. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim to increase validity. Analysis was done with use of the template approach and qualitative data analysis software. Three of the six dimensions predominated in the interview: (1) respect for patients' values, preferences and expressed need, (2) information, communication and education and (3) involvement of family and friends. The dimensions physical comfort; emotional support; coordination and integration of care were considered to be of less significance. The findings from this study resulted in a deeper understanding of patients' experiences and preferences and can be useful in the transition towards a more patient-centered approach of health care.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. J.Bisschop@student.maastrichtuniversity.nl.
authors.forename: Jeroen A S
authors.initials: JAS
authors.lastname: Bisschop
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Fabienne R
authors.initials: FR
authors.lastname: Kloosterman
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Janneke E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: van Leijen-Zeelenberg
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Geert Willem
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Huismans
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Bernd
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kremer
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Kenneth W
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Kross
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D011184:Postoperative Period; D036301:Qualitative Research; D058996:Quality Improvement
keywords: Head and neck; Oncology; Patient preferences; Patient-centered care; Qualitative research