title: A trial of a self-assessment tool of problems following treatment of colorectal cancer: a prospective study in Australia primary care.
abstract: Patients treated for colorectal cancer (CRC) experience considerable physical, social and psychological morbidity. In this study, 66 participants with stages I-III CRC were enrolled in this study. Participants completed the self-assessment tool for patients (SATp) over a 5-month period and visited a general practitioner with a copy of their SATp to assist in the management of any problems associated with CRC treatment. General practitioners' notes were reviewed for management actions. Of the 66 participants, 57 visited a general practitioner over the 5-month study period. A total of 547 problems were identified (median 7; IQR: 3-12.25). Participants with physical problems were more likely to consult their general practitioner (OR: 1.84, CI: 1.05-3.21, P = 0.03) compared to those with psychological problems. The number of problems experienced by participants did not have any influence on the decision to visit a general practitioner. Psychological problems (P < 0.01) significantly reduced over the 5-month study period. Regular use of the SATp facilitates the identification of long-term CRC treatment-related problems. Some of these problems could then be addressed in primary care.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ngune
authors.affiliation: Health Innovation (Chronic Diseases), Medical Education, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jiwa
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence for Science, Seafood & Health (CoESSH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McManus
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Parsons
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hodder
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D058992:Social Participation / Q000523:psychology
keywords: bowel cancer; colon cancer; psychological care; quality of life; supportive care