Int J Gynecol Cancer (Article Abstract)

Blackwell Synergy - Int J Gynecol Cancer, Volume 17 Issue 3 Page 557 - May/June 2007 (Article Abstract): "International Journal of Gynecological Cancer


Professionals’ and patients’ views of routine follow-up: a questionnaire survey
International Journal of Gynecological Cancer 17 (3), 557–560.
doi:10.1111/j.1525-1438.2007.00839.x


* F.M. KEW**Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, EnglandFiona M. Kew, MB, ChB, MRCOG, Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE9 6SX, England. Email: fiona.kew@ghnt.nhs.uk,
* K. GALAAL**Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, England,
* H. MANDERVILLE**Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, England &
* L. VERLEYE**Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, England

*Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, England


Abstract

Traditionally, women who have been treated for a gynecological cancer have undergone long-term follow-up by hospital doctors. Recently, there has been interest in alternative models of follow-up, including nurse-based review. The project compares patients’ and professionals’ views of follow-up. A questionnaire was completed by 96 women attending routine follow-up clinics and by 32 professionals involved in delivering follow-up. A large majority of women (82/96, 92%) and professionals (25/34, 73%) thought that follow-up should be provided by a hospital doctor. However, professionals were more likely to think that specialist nurses and general practitioners should be involved in the provision of follow-up (P < 0.01). Professionals thought that the most important part of the follow-up visit was the consultation, whereas women thought it was the examination (P < 0.001). Women thought that detection of recurrence was the most important reason for continuing surveillance, whereas professionals regarded addressing patients’ concerns as the primary reason for follow-up (P < 0.001). We conclude that the views of women undergoing follow-up after gynecological cancer differ significantly from the professionals providing follow-up care. These views must be considered when developing alternative follow-up strategies.