evaluation of a survivorship needs assessment planning tool for head and neck cancer survivor-caregiver dyads

The objectives of this study were to test the acceptability and feasibility of a survivorship needs assessment planning (snap) tool for head and neck cancer (hnc) survivors and caregivers, evaluate short-term changes in psychosocial outcomes after completing the snap session, and develop strategies for system refinement. we used a prospective one-group design and mixed methods with hnc survivors and caregivers (n = 25 dyads). participants completed baseline and 6-week surveys before and after completing a snap clinic visit to assess psychosocial outcomes and acceptability. intervention sessions included tablet-based needs assessments driving tailored care plans. dyads’ open-ended feedback and clinician interviews (n = 12) evaluated acceptability and feasibility. snap data collection time burden and technology challenges were minimal, and care plans included messages (m = 19), educational materials (m = 13), and referrals (m = 4.5; 86% behavioral medicine, 77% nutrition, 65% physical therapy). participants reported high satisfaction with the session and care plan, highlighting the key strengths of pulling complex medical information together and the focus on caregiver well-being, with multiple suggestions to facilitate clinic workflow. depression and unmet needs decreased and survivorship knowledge increased significantly in survivors and caregivers (p < .05) over the 6-week period. the snap tool is an innovative technology-based survivor-centered strategy to assess and manage needs in hnc survivors and caregivers. results support its acceptability and ability to address dyads’ needs; the tool merits further testing in a clinical trial. technology-enabled care planning be a productive way to assess and address hnc dyads’ dynamic needs after treatment.