Follow-up practice and healthcare utilisation of colorectal cancer survivors

S.M. Qaderi*, N.P.M. Ezendam, R.H.A. Verhoeven, J.A.E. Custers, J.H.W. de Wilt, Floor Mols

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)
147 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objective
To examine healthcare utilisation and adherence to colorectal cancer (CRC) follow-up guidelines.

Methods
A total of 2450 out of 3025 stage I-III CRC survivors diagnosed between 2000 and 2009 completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, SF-12, EORTC QLQ-CR38 and Fatigue Assessment Score questionnaires, in December 2010. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for increased follow-up care (>1 visit than recommended by guidelines).

Results
In the first follow-up year, the average number of cancer-related visits to the general practitioner and medical specialist was 1.7 and 4.2, respectively. More than 80% of the CRC survivors was comfortable with their follow-up schedule, and 49-72% of them received follow-up according to the guidelines. Around 29-47% was followed more than recommended. Simultaneously, around 4-14% of the CRC survivors received less follow-up care than recommended. Survivors of stage III disease treated with chemotherapy received the most follow-up care. In addition, lower socio-economic status stoma and fatigue were associated with increased follow-up care.

Conclusion
CRC survivors were predominantly followed according to national guidelines. Increased follow-up care is driven by advanced disease stage, chemotherapy, SES, stoma and fatigue. Future studies should investigate how increased follow-up care use can be reduced, while still addressing patients' needs.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere13472
Number of pages11
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer Care
Volume30
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • ENDOMETRIAL CANCER
  • Follow-up studies
  • HOSPITAL ANXIETY
  • INITIAL TREATMENT
  • LONG-TERM EVALUATION
  • NATIONAL-SURVEY
  • PATIENT
  • POPULATION
  • PROFILES
  • QUALITY-OF-LIFE
  • SUPPORTIVE CARE
  • cancer survivorship
  • colorectal cancer
  • general practitioner
  • healthcare use

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