of Asia: Provision of Patient‐Centered Care in Oral Cavity Cancer: A Qualitative Study With Patients, Caregivers, and Healthcare Professionals in Five Asia‐Pacific Regions

Aim Locoregionally advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (LA‐OCSCC) imposes a high disease burden, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. We aimed to identify unmet needs and challenges faced by patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in diagnosis and managing LA‐OCSCC. Methods In‐depth interviews were conducted across Australia, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam with LA‐OCSCC patients ( n = 28), caregivers ( n = 27), and HCPs (surgeons, clinical, radiation, and medical oncologists [ n = 30]; nurses, case managers/coordinators, psychologists, speech therapists, dieticians, and dentists [ n = 30]). Patients who received post‐operative chemoradiotherapy for Stage III‐IVB LA‐OCSCC, their caregivers, and HCPs were eligible. The interview guide, design, and analysis were based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM‐B) model. Results Major service gaps in timely diagnosis, treatment, patient‐centered care, and therapeutic alliance were identified. Limited awareness of LA‐OCSCC led to overlooked symptoms, delaying medical attention. General practitioners were perceived as less experienced in identifying LA‐OCSCC symptoms accurately and promptly, with dentists being more informed. A shortage of nurses to support integrated multidisciplinary team discussions, patient education, and to relay patients’ needs to specialists, compromised patient‐centric care. Psychotherapeutic services were scarce, with supportive care professionals overextending to bridge the gap. Conclusion This study examined LA‐OCSCC care management in five Asia‐Pacific countries/territories with varying healthcare systems and infrastructure. Given LA‐OCSCC's aggressive nature and high burden from disease and treatment, patients and caregivers require support beyond medical interventions. A multi‐stakeholder approach with clinical and community care is essential to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach to patient‐centered care within the different health systems.