title: Follow-up of gynecological cancer patients after treatment - the views of European experts in gynecologic oncology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Follow-up after treatment for gynecological cancer demands large resources. There is a lack of evidence of efficacy. The aim of this survey was to explore follow-up routines and views on follow-up care among European experts in gynecological oncology.
  
  
  METHODS
  Web-based structured survey.
  
  
  METHODS
  Survey distributed to members of the European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) and the Nordic Society of Gynecologic Oncology (NSGO).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study population comprised members of NSGO and ESGO.
  
  
  METHODS
  An anonymous e-survey was sent with two additional reminders by e-mail through an electronic web-link to all members of both societies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Surveillance routines. The clinical experts' evaluation of evidence and view of follow-up in hospitals vs. at general practitioners (GPs).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The number of visits recommended by a majority of the responders was in line with current guidelines. The use of surveillance tests varied considerably. Significantly more responders from low economy countries preferred conventional hospital follow-up for all patients compared with responders from high economy countries, who considered follow-up by GPs adequate in low-risk groups (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Follow-up routines after gynecological cancer vary in Europe. According to the majority of the responders of this survey targeting European experts in gynecological oncology, follow-up by GPs may be an option for low-risk patients. New follow-up routines should preferentially be based on prospective trials comparing conventional follow-up of gynecological cancer patients with alternative methods of care, assessing survival, detection of recurrence, and quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sorlandet Hospital HF, Kristiansand, Norway. ingvild.vistad@sshf.no
authors.forename: Ingvild
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vistad
authors.forename: Milada
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cvancarova
authors.forename: Helga B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Salvesen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018394:CA-125 Antigen / Q000097:blood; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019049:Developed Countries; D003906:Developing Countries; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D058869:Gynecological Examination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006176:Gynecology; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D018394:CA-125 Antigen; C451759:MUC16 protein, human; D008565:Membrane Proteins