Aims:
Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is associated with significant physical, psychological, and social challenges that can result in distress and isolation for both patients and carers. To address these unmet supportive care needs, Head and Neck Cancer Australia (HANCA) established two facilitated online peer support groups: one for people diagnosed with HNC and one for family members and carers. The groups aim to reduce isolation, improve equitable access to peer support across Australia, particularly for regional and remote communities, and provide psychoeducation through specialist clinician involvement. This service evaluation examined participant experiences and how consumer feedback informed service development.
Methods:
Both groups were delivered via Zoom, with separate eligibility criteria to promote psychologically safe discussion. Sessions commenced with presentations from guest clinicians, including radiation oncologists, dietitians, speech pathologists, and other specialists, followed by facilitated peer support led by a specialist mental health clinician and HANCA nurses. Anonymous evaluation surveys examined participant satisfaction, perceived psychosocial benefits, and recommendations for improvement. Quantitative data were summarised descriptively, and qualitative comments analysed thematically.
Results:
Participants reported high levels of satisfaction, reduced isolation, stronger social connection, and valuable practical information for managing HNC. Among patients, 92.9% felt welcomed and included, 85.7% felt more connected with others, and 85.7% would recommend the group. Carers reported reduced isolation, increased emotional support, and high satisfaction. Feedback identified a strong desire for more frequent meetings, prompting HANCA to increase the patient group to monthly and establish a dedicated monthly group for carers of people with advanced HNC.
Conclusions:
Facilitated online, diagnosis-specific peer support groups provide an accessible and highly valued model of supportive care for people affected by HNC. Consumer feedback directly informed service redesign, demonstrating the value of responsive, co-designed services that enhance psychosocial support, specialist education, and equitable access throughout the HNC journey.