Development of a supportive care intervention for caregivers of head and neck cancer patients: A qualitative needs assessment.

Abstract

e24107 Background: Caregivers of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) play a vital role in patient care and recovery, while also experiencing substantial physical, emotional, and logistical burdens for their care. Supportive interventions tailored to the needs of caregivers remain limited. We conducted a qualitative needs assessment to inform the development of a supportive care intervention for HNC caregivers. Methods: Caregivers of patients undergoing treatment for HNC were recruited beginning September 2025 and ending November 2025. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Interview summaries and transcripts were reviewed to identify major challenges, coping strategies, and preferences related to supportive care interventions. Baseline demographic data were also collected. Results: Participants (N=20) were 89.5% female, had an average age of 57.9, and most endorsed being the spouse of their loved one with cancer (65%). Results indicated that caregivers identified patient nutrition and treatment-related side effects, particularly communication difficulties, as major challenges. Majority of caregivers continued working during the patient’s treatment, which was described by some as a stressor, and others as a coping mechanism. Common stress-management strategies included prayer, physical activity, meditation, therapy, support groups, and use of mobile applications (e.g., Finch and Insight). Caregivers expressed a desire for greater access to practical resources, including nutritional guidance, patient care education (e.g., tracheostomy and medication management), consolidated HNC resources, and self-care strategies. Participants emphasized that caregiver well-being was essential to effective patient care. Preferences for future interventions included early initiation at the start of their loved one’s treatment, continuation through treatment completion, physician or nurse coordinator endorsement, and inclusion of testimonials from prior participants. Conclusions: Caregivers of patients with HNC report multifaceted and largely unmet supportive care needs. Findings from this qualitative assessment will directly inform the development of a caregiver-centered, supportive-care intervention designed to address stress.