Implementing an embedded psychology service within a multi-disciplinary community head and neck cancer team: preliminary service evaluation and clinical audit of referrals from the first two years

Abstract

Background

The Community Head and Neck Team (CHANT) is an award winning multi-disciplinary team provided by Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, supporting patients across South East London post-treatment for head and neck cancer. In 2022, CHANT was expanded to include a dedicated psychology service. This study aimed to audit all psychology referrals to date, evaluate patient reported outcome measures, and explore patient feedback to inform future service development.

Methods

A retrospective audit of head and neck cancer patients who were referred to the CHANT Psychology Service between September 2022 and February 2025 was conducted. Routine clinical outcomes were analysed at assessment and at discharge from the service, and additional qualitative and quantitative analyses were conducted using patient feedback forms from those who completed therapy.

Results

A total of 247 referrals were received (56.7 % male; mean age = 59.1 years). Primary reasons for referral included adjustment difficulties (44.1 %), low mood (28.7 %), and anxiety regarding health (18.6 %) amongst others. Statistically significant reductions in symptoms of low mood and anxiety, improved HRQoL, and reduced psychological inflexibility were observed. Patient feedback was overwhelmingly positive indicating psychological support was valued and beneficial.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, the CHANT Psychology Service is the only dedicated community-based head and neck cancer psychology service in the UK. Audit and evaluation findings highlight the need for such a service and suggest it is both effective and acceptable in terms of its current service delivery. Ongoing data collection will support further evaluation and guide future development.