Peer to Peer Support for People with Head and Neck Cancer

Primary aim To develop a prototype peer-to-peer support intervention for Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients for implementation and evaluation within the NHS. Background Over 12,000 new cases of head and neck cancer (HNC) are diagnosed in the UK annually. Clinical levels of emotional distress in HNC patients are higher than other cancer groups (37% in the year post-diagnosis) and are associated with an increased risk of recurrence, earlier death, and poor healthcare engagement. HNC patients have high rates of social isolation due to the unique challenges of the disease and its treatment. Peer support may meet these unmet supportive care needs, although quality evidence is lacking. HNC patients have variable access to supportive care with unclear pathways. Peer support can address significant unmet supportive care and information needs. It may increase self-efficacy by enhancing confidence to manage symptoms, return to activities and negotiate healthcare systems. Early implementation would reduce frequency and severity of depression, thereby improving the health and well-being of this vulnerable patient group. Research Questions: What are the unique challenges, barriers, and facilitators in developing and implementing a peer-to-peer support model for HNC patients? What are patients and carer/relatives' perspectives and experiences of peer support across the care pathway? What are the perspectives of NHS healthcare professionals and charitable organisations peer support for HNC patients? Methods The project will be conducted over 16 months and includes 3 studies Study 1: Semi structured interviews with patients, relatives/carers to understand how peer support can be implemented and address current unmet needs Study 2: Semi structured interviews with healthcare and social care providers to determine how to effectively provide peer support to HNC patients. Study 3: Informed by studies 1 & 2, a "living lab" will be used to co-design a prototype of a peer-to-peer support intervention for implementation and evaluation within the NHS. PPIE Public and Patient Involvement is embedded throughout the project and is essential to its success. The proposal has been co-developed with a Patient Advisor co-applicant, healthcare organisations and HNC charitable organisations. A Patient Advisory Group will be formed and will contribute to all components of the project. Timelines Months –5 to 0: Recruitment of PDRA, Ethical Approvals Months 0-3: Scoping review update Months 3-9: Studies 1 & 2 Months 8-13: Co-production workshops Months 13-16: Finalise prototype, outputs and dissemination Impact and Dissemination A co-produced prototype peer-to-peer service intervention for patients with HNC which will provide a platform to evaluate the feasibility of such a service with the NHS. Findings will be disseminated to HNC patients and cancer charities through accessible materials and presentations; to healthcare workers via professional bodies, integrated care boards and to researchers through conference presentations and journal articles.