Barriers to accessing psycho-oncological support in head and neck cancer: A qualitative exploration of healthcare professionals’ perspectives

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2022.102145
• Publication Date: 2022-04-23T02:12:54Z
• Authors: Lorna Gurren; Eleanor O'Sullivan; Ivan Keogh; Simon Dunne
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Stigma

Disease- and treatment-related consequences in Head Neck Cancer (HNC) can result psychological issues for which specialist support, dubbed psycho-oncology, is recommended. Health Social Care Professionals (HSCPs) function as a crucial link between survivors these services, through onward referral pathways. However, little known about HSCPs' perspectives on barriers to accessing psycho-oncology HNC. The current study sought investigate such perspectives.Eleven HSCPs from national cancer centres across Ireland were recruited using purposive sampling. A qualitative, cross-sectional research design was implemented utilising virtual semi-structured interviews. Interviews audio-recorded, transcribed, analysed inductive, reflexive thematic analysis.The researcher identified four themes relating access: Lack of Access Perceived Elitism Onward Referral; Communication Barriers; Stigma Associated with Mental Illness Psychological Services, Inadequate Signposting Advertising Existing Psycho-Oncology Services. These findings indicate that face multiple when attempting refer HNC services. Some relate survivors, others themselves, some professionals within services.By removing faced by HSCPs, may more readily pre-existing services the future. following assist barriers: increased inter-professional dialogue communication skills training; mental health stigma reduction campaigns targeted at wider society; signposting available in-service training HSCPs.