Family doctor-driven follow-up for adult childhood cancer survivors supported by a web-based survivor care plan

J Cancer Surviv. 2012 Jun;6(2):163-71. doi: 10.1007/s11764-011-0207-5. Epub 2011 Nov 29.

Abstract

Purpose: To facilitate family doctor-driven follow-up for adult childhood cancer survivors, we developed a survivor care plan (SCP) for adult survivors and their family doctors.

Methods: The SCP was accessible for survivors and their family doctors on a secure website and as a printed booklet. It included data on diagnosis, treatment and potential risks as well as recommendations for follow-up. Childhood cancer survivors who were off-treatment ≥5 years, aged ≥18 years and not involved in a long-term follow-up program were eligible. They were advised to visit their family doctor. The endpoints were numbers of participants, adherence of family doctors to the guidelines and satisfaction ratings.

Results: The eligibility criteria were fulfilled by 108 survivors. Three family doctors and 15 survivors refused, 10 survivors were non-responders. Of the remaining 80 survivors, 73 survivors visited 72 family doctors. Sixty-nine (96%) family doctors returned data of whom 60 (83%) fully adhered to the recommended tests. The majority of survivors and family doctors were satisfied about the SCP.

Conclusions: A (web-based) SCP for survivors and family doctors can serve as an effective communication vehicle to provide adequate shared care by the long-term follow-up clinic and family doctors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aftercare*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Communication
  • Continuity of Patient Care*
  • Delivery of Health Care*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Internet*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / mortality
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Physicians, Family*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Quality of Life
  • Survivors / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult