Palliative and Oncology Care Intervention: Symptom COACH

A Collaborative Palliative and Oncology Care Intervention to Improve Symptoms and Coping During Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer

The investigators propose to conduct the first pilot trial of a collaborative palliative and oncology care intervention for HNC patients receiving CRT to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. The intervention will incorporate weekly palliative care visits into standard oncology care targeting coping, mood, and symptom management.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. adult patients (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of HNC for which they are undergoing CRT
2. receiving all oncology care at Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC)
3. able to speak and read in English or with assistance from an interpreter

Exclusion Criteria:

1. patients with prior history of HNC for which they underwent CRT
2. patients with uncontrolled psychiatric disorders (psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, major depression) or other co-morbid disease which the treating clinician believes prohibits informed consent or participation in the study
3. patients enrolled on other supportive care intervention trials