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

Abstract 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-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.