Risk Stratified Follow-Up for Endometrial Cancer: The Clinicians' Perspective

Curr Oncol. 2023 Feb 13;30(2):2237-2248. doi: 10.3390/curroncol30020173.

Abstract

Risk-stratified follow-up for endometrial cancer (EC) is being introduced in many cancer centres; however, there appears to be diversity in the structure and availability of schemes across the UK. This study aimed to investigate clinicians' and clinical specialist nurses' (CNS) experiences of follow-up schemes for EC, including patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU), telephone follow-up (TFU) and clinician-led hospital follow-up (HFU). A mixed-methods study was conducted, consisting of an online questionnaire to CNSs, an audience survey of participants attending a national "Personalising Endometrial Cancer Follow-up" educational meeting, and qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews with clinicians involved in the follow-up of EC. Thematic analysis identified three main themes to describe clinicians' views: appropriate patient selection; changing from HFU to PIFU schemes; and the future of EC follow-up schemes. Many participants reported that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted EC follow-up by accelerating the transition to PIFU/TFU. Overall, there was increasing support for non-HFU schemes for patients who have completed primary treatment of EC; however, barriers were identified for non-English-speaking patients and those who had communication challenges. Given the good long-term outcome associated with EC, greater focus is needed to develop resources to support patients post-treatment and individualise follow-up according to patients' personal needs and preferences.

Keywords: endometrial cancer; follow-up; patient-initiated follow-up; survivorship; telephone follow-up.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Patient Satisfaction

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the Leicester Institute for Advanced Studies (Tiger Team) and Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund.