The information needs of patients with head and neck cancer and their caregivers: a short report of instrument development and testing

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the reliability and scaling assumptions of an information needs questionnaire for patients with head and neck cancer and their caregivers.

Background: Patients with HNC have specific information needs but no tools exist that can simultaneously assess the needs among these patients and their caregivers.

Methods: The Head and Neck Information Needs Questionnaire (HaNiQ) was adapted from a validated information needs questionnaire for breast cancer patients. Participants were recruited from two regionally-defined cancer services in NSW, Australia. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Scaling assumptions, specifically item convergent and discriminant validity, were assessed using multi-trait scaling analysis.

Results: The HaNiQ showed good internal consistency reliability for both patients and caregivers (Cronbach's alpha=0.94 for both) and scaling assumptions were met, with acceptable item convergent and discriminant validity.

Conclusions: The HaNiQ appears reliable, and would benefit from further testing.