# The introduction of a safe discharge network for the ongoing oral healthcare of patients who have completed management for head and neck cancers

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the development of a collaborative network to ensure ongoing oral healthcare for head and neck cancer patients after treatment.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a multi-organisational approach to improve dental access for post-treatment head and neck cancer patients.

## Key findings

- Oral healthcare access for head and neck cancer patients remains a persistent challenge.
- Collaborative shared care networks can help safeguard oral health for this vulnerable population.
- Health education initiatives and pathway analyses are key components of the approach.

## Abstract

Oral healthcare for patients who have been treated for head and neck cancer is essential to the long-term health and wellbeing of these patients. Access to routine dental care has, however, faced persistent challenges, resulting in a risk for oral health deterioration. We present the experience of West Yorkshire in developing collaborative shared care networks between a tertiary care centre and primary care dental services to safeguard oral health for this vulnerable population.

The methodologies used included needs assessments, pathway analyses and practitioner confidence surveys, alongside a range of health education initiatives.

We hope that sharing of these experiences will facilitate navigation of the structural and multi-organisational dimensions of healthcare planning and provision.

Highlights the importance of dental access for head and neck cancer patients.Summarises the challenges faced in improving dental access for this cohort.Describes an approach to improving dental access with multi-organisational collaboration.

Highlights the importance of dental access for head and neck cancer patients.

Summarises the challenges faced in improving dental access for this cohort.

Describes an approach to improving dental access with multi-organisational collaboration.