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01-08-2016 | Original Article

Preferences for the organization of long-term follow-up in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

Authors: Salome Christen, Janine Vetsch, Luzius Mader, Silvia Dehler, Dimitri Korol, Claudia Kuehni, Corina S. Rueegg, Gisela Michel

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 8/2016

Abstract

Purpose

As survival rates of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients increase, a growing number of AYA cancer survivors need follow-up care. However, there is little research on their preferences for follow-up care. We aimed to (1) describe AYA cancer survivors’ preferences for the organization and content of follow-up care, (2) describe their preferences for different models of follow-up, and (3) investigate clinical and sociodemographic characteristics associated with preferences for the different models.

Methods

AYA cancer survivors (diagnosed with cancer at age 16–25 years; ≥5 years after diagnosis) were identified through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug. Survivors completed a questionnaire on follow-up attendance, preferences for organizational aspects of follow-up care (what is important during follow-up, what should be included during appointments, what specialists should be involved, location), models of follow-up (telephone/questionnaire, general practitioner (GP), pediatric oncologist, medical oncologist, multidisciplinary team), and sociodemographic characteristics. Information on tumor and treatment was available through the Cancer Registry Zurich and Zug.

Results

Of 389 contacted survivors, 160 (41.1 %) participated and 92 (57.5 %) reported still attending follow-up. Medical aspects of follow-up care were more important than general aspects (p < 0.001). Among different organizational models, follow-up by a medical oncologist was rated higher than all other models (p = 0.002). Non-attenders of follow-up rated GP-led follow-up significantly higher than attenders (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Swiss AYA cancer survivors valued medical content of follow-up and showed a preference for medical oncologist-led follow-up. Implementation of different models of follow-up care might improve accessibility and attendance among AYA cancer survivors.

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Title: Preferences for the organization of long-term follow-up in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors
Authors: Salome Christen
Janine Vetsch
Luzius Mader
Silvia Dehler
Dimitri Korol
Claudia Kuehni
Corina S. Rueegg
Gisela Michel
Publication date: 01-08-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 8/2016
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3157-7

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