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 (HNC) 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-defmed 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. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.