Michel, G. orcid.org/0000-0002-9589-0928, Gianinazzi, M.E., Vetsch, J. et al. (4 more authors) (2017) Physicians’ experience with follow-up care of childhood cancer survivors – Challenges and needs. Swiss Medical Weekly , 147. w14457. ISSN 1424-7860
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Regular follow-up care is essential for childhood cancer survivors, but we know little about physicians’ experience with it. We aimed to describe: (1) involvement of Swiss physicians in follow-up care; (2) content of follow-up care provided; (3) problems encountered; and (4) additional resources needed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Within this cross-sectional survey we sent adapted questionnaires via professional associations to a sample of medical oncologists (MOs), paediatric oncologists (POs), general practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians (P) in Switzerland. Only oncologists involved in follow-up care were asked to report problems. GPs and Ps not involved in follow-up could indicate why. All physicians were asked about the content of follow-up care provided and additional resources needed. RESULTS: A total of 183 physicians responded (27 MO, 13 PO, 122 GP, 21 P). Involved in follow-up were 81% of MOs, 85% of POs, 39% of GPs and 81% of Ps. Follow-up content differed between oncologists (MO and PO) and generalists (GP and P), with generalists examining or informing less in regard to the former cancer. POs reported more problems than MOs: many POs reported problems with transition of survivors to adult care (91%), and because of financial resources (73%) and time restraints (73%). MOs reported most problems during transition (23%). Not being aware of a survivor was the most common reason for GPs and Ps not participating in followup (74%). All groups reported a need for standardised protocols (85–91%) and specialised training (55–73%). GPs (94%) and Ps (100%) additionally desired more support from oncologists. CONCLUSIONS: To improve quality and efficiency of follow-up care a national follow-up care model including standardised protocols and guidelines needs to be developed.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | Published under the copyright license “Attribution – Non-Commercial – NoDerivatives 4.0”. No commercial reuse without permission. See: emh.ch/en/services/permissions.html |
Keywords: | childhood cancer survivors; adolescent and young adult cancer survivors; follow-up care; physicians; general practitioners; questionnaire survey |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Science (Sheffield) > Department of Psychology (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 24 Aug 2017 12:16 |
Last Modified: | 24 Aug 2017 12:25 |
Published Version: | https://doi.org/10.4414/smw.2017.14457 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | EMH Schweizerischer Arzteverlag |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.4414/smw.2017.14457 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:120454 |
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