Optimizing Virtual Follow-Up Care: Realist Evaluation of Experiences and Perspectives of Patients With Breast and Prostate Cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Virtual follow-up (VFU) has the potential to enhance cancer survivorship care. However, a greater understanding is needed of how VFU can be optimized.

Objective

This study aims to examine how, for whom, and in what contexts VFU works for cancer survivorship care.

Methods

We conducted a realist evaluation of VFU among patients with breast cancer and prostate cancer at an urban cancer center during the COVID-19 pandemic. Realist evaluations examine how underlying causal processes of an intervention (mechanisms) in specific circumstances (contexts) interact to produce results (outcomes). Semistructured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of patients ≤5 years after diagnosis. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed using a realist logic of ana

SUBMITTER: Scruton S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11748426 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature