Encouraging a Patient-Centred Approach to Education, Designing an eLearning Platform to Enhance Knowledge of HPV Positive Head and Neck Cancer: A Delphi Consensus Study

A significant global rise in head and neck cancer (HNC) has been recorded, with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) now responsible for most oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCC) in the USA and UK [1]. The UK introduced prophylactic HPV vaccination for adolescent boys in 2019, adopting a gender-neutral prevention strategy [2]. However, vaccine uptake remains below target nationally and internationally, particularly among males, a recognised high-risk group for HPV-positive OPSCC [3]. This highlights the need for clearer, more accessible educational resources to improve early detection, prevention, and support the management of this patient group. By recruiting a panel of 16 experts with personal/professional experience in the field of head and neck oncology, education, virology and cancer awareness and prevention, the Delphi method was employed to reach a consensus on areas of priority, key target audiences and the accessibility and delivery in order to aid the design of an eLearning platform on this topic, with experts being provided with 3 rounds of e-questionnaires. Response rates were 100% in rounds 1 and 2 (n = 16) and 93% in round 3 (n = 15). Thematic analysis of round 1 generated three themes: purpose and content of the eLearning resource, accessibility and delivery, and audience. By round 3, consensus (> 70% agreement) was achieved on 9 of 10 items. One item, whether to include all HPV-related cancers, reached 73% agreement (n = 11). Participants identified priority areas as awareness and prevention, support during and after an HPV + HNC diagnosis, and resources for healthcare professionals working with this population. The Delphi process provided a robust method of identifying the scope available to design and produce an eLearning platform on topics related to HPV + HNC. The expert panel highlighted that multiple resources would be required to address all areas of priority. Accessibility and was fundamental, bridging the gap on health inequality by utilising the interactivity and accessibility an eLearning resource could offer.