Patient expectations and preferences for follow-up after treatment for lung cancer: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
There is no robust evidence to indicate the most appropriate models of follow-up care for patients who have completed treatment for lung cancer. This pilot study aimed to assess expectations and preferences for follow-up care in a sample of patients who had completed treatment for lung cancer.


METHODS
Thirty-one patients who had completed treatment for primary lung cancer were recruited. A 13 item self-report survey was developed to elicit patient's preferences and expectations for follow-up. Participants completed the developed survey and clinical and demographic variables were collected.


RESULTS
Factors scored as extremely important by over 80% of respondents focused on care coordination: Being able to see the same doctor or health care professional at each visit (24/83%); Knowing which doctor or nurse to contact if queries arise between follow-up appointments (23/82%); and Knowing the patient can book an appointment or contact a health care professional involved in their care regarding health concerns between visits (25/89%). Patients were supportive of nurse-led follow-up when offered in the context of a model of shared care (21/78%).


CONCLUSIONS
This study offers new insight into the expectations and preferences for follow-up of patients with lung cancer, with participants indicated preference for intensive follow-up after the completion of treatment.
Krishnasamy
Meinir
M
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victoria, Australia. meinir.krishnasamy@petermac.org
Ugalde
Anna
A
Carey
Mariko
M
Duffy
Mary
M
Dryden
Tracey
T
D000368:Aged; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D057240:Patient Preference / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013997:Time Factors