Studying Survivorship Care Plans in Head and Neck Cancer

Comparison of Enhanced Survivorship Care Plans in a Head and Neck Cancer Clinic to Standard of Care

The study will focus on survivorship care for head and neck cancer patients cared for within Duke Cancer Center clinics. Standardized survivorship care plans (sSCP) are being implemented based on the American Society for Clinical Oncology's criteria. These documents provide a summary of treatment received, and list side effects and follow-up information after cancer treatment. Taking advantage of this transition, the investigator will study three groups of patients: (a) early survivors treated before the sSCP was implemented, (b) early survivors treated after the sSCP was implemented, and (c) current patients who will receive an individualized enhanced SCP (eSCP), which will include additional information tailored to patient preferences. The investigators hypothesize that patients receiving enhanced survivorship care plans will increase their knowledge regarding their health care plan and wellness trajectory; increase their ability to identify the symptoms they most likely can expect as a result of their cancer treatment; and be more likely to engage in conversations with their PCP about healthy behaviors and screening guidelines.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Completed treatment for a head or neck cancer at Duke Cancer Center within 4 months of consent OR
• Will complete treatment for a head and neck cancer at Duke Cancer Center within 3 weeks of consent AND
• Able to read and understand English
• Capable of giving informed consent
• Are at least age 18.

Exclusion Criteria:

• incompetent for interview (documented diagnosis of active psychosis or dementia) or unable to provide informed consent as assessed by the interviewer; or too sick to participate, as judged by a member of the research team