Effect of telephone follow-up on the physical well-being dimension of quality of life in patients with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of telephone follow-up on the physical well-being dimension of health-related quality of life in patients with cancer.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled trial.


METHODS
Public teaching hospital.


METHODS
One hundred fifty patients with cancer who were discharged to home from the hospital.


METHODS
Patients received a telephone follow-up call 48-72 hours after discharge. Information was solicited regarding drug-related (and other) problems. Problems were addressed, and advice and support were given.


RESULTS
Analysis of variance revealed no differences in the physical well-being dimension of health-related quality of life between patients who received telephone follow-up and a control group who did not. Sixty-eight percent of the follow-up group and 40% of the control group (p = 0.007) reported having had at least one contact with a health professional.


CONCLUSIONS
One possible explanation for the lack of effect of the intervention is that high-risk patients in the control group received a similar intervention from other health care professionals. We suggest that telephone follow-up be coordinated among health professionals.
Beney
Johnny
J
Institut Central des Hŏpitaux Valaisans, Sion Switzerland. johnny.beney@ichv.ch
Devine
E Beth
EB
Chow
Valby
V
Ignoffo
Robert J
RJ
Mitsunaga
Lisa
L
Shahkarami
Mina
M
McMillan
Alex
A
Bero
Lisa A
LA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents