A Qualitative Study Exploring Patient, Family Carer and Healthcare Professionals' Direct Experiences and Barriers to Providing and Integrating Palliative Care for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer.

Head and neck cancer has a less predictable disease trajectory, where complex decisions are made and treatment outcomes are less certain. Specific focus is needed to define the optimal way to initiate Specialist Palliative Care referrals which may differ from those used for the wider cancer population. Clearer ways to effectively communicate goals of care are required potentially involving collaboration between Specialist Palliative Care and the wider head and neck cancer team.