Enhanced Care Coordination for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

The Implementation of Enhanced Care Coordination in Order to Decrease Hospital Utilization for Head & Neck Survivors Undergoing Radiation

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a multidimensional symptom management intervention on decreasing symptom burden and thus reducing hospital utilization in patients undergoing radiation with or without chemotherapy for head and neck cancer.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a multidimensional symptom assessment intervention on identifying symptoms and alerting care team of changes, and thus reducing hospital utilization, in patients undergoing radiation with or without chemotherapy for head and neck cancer. This is a pilot study.

This project is being conducted to 1) examine the symptomatology of head and neck cancer patients undergoing treatment that includes radiation, 2) determine the hospital admission rates of this patient population before, during and post treatment, 3) compare the admission rates of this patient population to historical controls and 4) to examine overall patient compliance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 and older
• Diagnosed with primary, head and neck cancer of the paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, oral cavity, tongue, salivary glands, larynx, and pharynx (including the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx)
• Will include squamous cell carcinoma found in lymph nodes as a result of unknown primary location.
• Prior to the initiation of radiation treatment for qualifying diagnosis
• Treatment occurring at Hillman Cancer Center

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior radiation treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the locations listed in inclusion criteria.