Professionals' and patients' views of routine follow-up: a questionnaire survey

Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2007 May-Jun;17(3):557-60. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2007.00839.x.

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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anxiety
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / psychology*
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / therapy
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurse's Role / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires