Dataset Information

Assessing patients' needs in the follow-up after treatment for colorectal cancer-a mixed-method study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The accessibility of cancer care faces challenges due to the rising prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) coupled with a shrinkage of healthcare professionals-known as the double aging phenomenon. To ensure sustainable and patient-centred care, innovative solutions are needed. This study aims to assess the needs of CRC patients regarding their follow-up care.

Methods

This study uses a mixed-method approach divided in three phases. The initial phase involved focus group sessions, followed by semi-structured interviews to identify patients' needs during follow-up. Open analysis was done to define main themes and needs for patients. In the subsequent quantitative phase, a CRC follow-up needs questionnaire was distributed to patients in the follow-up.

Results

After two focus groups (n = 14) and interviews (n = 5), this study identified six main themes. Findings underscore the importance of providing assistance in managing both physical and mental challenges associated with cancer. Participants emphasised the need of a designated contact person and an increased focus on addressing psychological distress. Furthermore, patients desire individualised feedback on quality of life questionnaires, and obtaining tailored information. The subsequent questionnaire (n = 96) revealed the priority of different needs, with the highest priority being the need for simplified radiology results. A possible approach to address a part of the diverse needs could be the implementation of a platform; nearly 70% of patients expressed interest in the proposed platform.

Conclusions

CRC patients perceive substantial room for improvement of their follow-up care. Findings can help to develop a platform fulfilling the distinct demands of CRC patients during follow-up.

SUBMITTER: Voigt KR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10896820 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Assessing patients' needs in the follow-up after treatment for colorectal cancer-a mixed-method study.

Voigt Kelly R KR de Bruijn Esmee A EA Wullaert Lissa L Witteveen Léon L Verhoef Cornelis C Husson Olga O Grünhagen Dirk J DJ

Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer 20240226 3

<h4>Purpose</h4>The accessibility of cancer care faces challenges due to the rising prevalence of colorectal cancer (CRC) coupled with a shrinkage of healthcare professionals-known as the double aging phenomenon. To ensure sustainable and patient-centred care, innovative solutions are needed. This study aims to assess the needs of CRC patients regarding their follow-up care.<h4>Methods</h4>This study uses a mixed-method approach divided in three phases. The initial phase involved focus group ses ...[more]

PMID: 38409637

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Project description:BackgroundA systematic review was conducted to evaluate the literature regarding the impact of follow-up on colorectal cancer patient survival and, in a second phase, recommendations were developed.MethodsThe MEDLINE, CANCERLIT, and Cochrane Library databases, and abstracts published in the 1997 to 2002 proceedings of the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology were systematically searched for evidence. Study selection was limited to randomized trials and meta-analyses that examined different programs of follow-up after curative resection of colorectal cancer where five-year overall survival was reported. External review by Ontario practitioners was obtained through a mailed survey. Final approval of the practice guideline report was obtained from the Practice Guidelines Coordinating Committee.ResultsSix randomized trials and two published meta-analyses of follow-up were obtained. Of six randomized trials comparing one follow-up program to a more intense program, only two individual trials detected a statistically significant survival benefit favouring the more intense follow-up program. Pooling of all six randomized trials demonstrated a significant improvement in survival favouring more intense follow-up (Relative Risk Ratio 0.80 (95%CI, 0.70 to 0.91; p = 0.0008). Although the rate of recurrence was similar in both of the follow-up groups compared, asymptomatic recurrences and re-operations for cure of recurrences were more common in patients with more intensive follow-up. Trials including CEA monitoring and liver imaging also had significant results, whereas trials not including these tests did not.ConclusionFollow-up programs for patients with curatively resected colorectal cancer do improve survival. These follow-up programs include frequent visits and performance of blood CEA, chest x-rays, liver imaging and colonoscopy, however, it is not clear which tests or frequency of visits is optimal. There is a suggestion that improved survival is due to diagnosis of recurrence at an earlier, asymptomatic stage which allows for more curative resection of recurrence. Based on this evidence and consideration of the biology of colorectal cancer and present practices, a guideline was developed. Patients should be made aware of the risk of disease recurrence or second bowel cancer, the potential benefits of follow-up and the uncertainties requiring further clinical trials. For patients at high-risk of recurrence (stages IIb and III) clinical assessment is recommended when symptoms occur or at least every 6 months the first 3 years and yearly for at least 5 years. At the time of those visits, patients may have blood CEA, chest x-ray and liver imaging. For patients at lower risk of recurrence (stages I and Ia) or those with co-morbidities impairing future surgery, only visits yearly or when symptoms occur. All patients should have a colonoscopy before or within 6 months of initial surgery, and repeated yearly if villous or tubular adenomas >1 cm are found; otherwise repeat every 3 to 5 years. All patients having recurrences should be assessed by a multidisciplinary team in a cancer centre.

Dataset Information

Assessing patients' needs in the follow-up after treatment for colorectal cancer-a mixed-method study.

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Assessing patients' needs in the follow-up after treatment for colorectal cancer-a mixed-method study.

Similar Datasets

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