Comprehensive long-term care of patients with lung cancer: development of a novel thoracic survivorship program.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent advances have improved the likelihood of long-term survival for patients with lung cancer. However, little attention has been given to the growing need for dedicated survivorship care for these patients. To address this unmet need, we developed a unique follow-up care model.

Methods

In 2006, we convened a multidisciplinary working group to design a thoracic survivorship program (TSP) that provides follow-up by a nurse practitioner (NP) trained in survivorship care. Patients with early-stage lung cancer who were disease free for at least 1 year after resection were eligible for the program, which incorporates a standardized approach to cancer surveillance. Data on symptoms and outcomes were prospectively collected. Real-time electronic medical documentation

SUBMITTER: Huang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4713027 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature