Satisfaction with follow-up consultations among Swiss childhood cancer survivors: A prospective cohort study.
In a prospective cohort of 145 adult childhood cancer survivors attending their first long-term follow-up visit at two Swiss clinics, satisfaction was high, discussion of more desired topics was associated with greater patient-centered-care satisfaction, and lower mental health-related quality of life was associated with greater worries.
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In a prospective cohort of 145 adult childhood cancer survivors attending their first long-term follow-up visit at two Swiss clinics, satisfaction was high, discussion of more desired topics was associated with greater patient-centered-care satisfaction, and lower mental health-related quality of life was associated with greater worries.
Research significance
The study provides observational evidence that addressing survivors’ desired discussion topics correlates with satisfaction and that lower mental HRQoL correlates with worry; it supports, but does not test, the hypothesis that agenda-based consultations and targeted psychological support could improve the follow-up experience and reduce worries.
Source abstract
OBJECTIVE: Late effects are frequent among adult childhood cancer survivors (ACCS), making long-term follow-up (LTFU) care essential. This study examined satisfaction and worries among ACCS after their first LTFU visit and explored associated factors. METHODS: ACCS (≥18 years) entering LTFU care at two Swiss outpatient clinics, Cantonal Hospital of Baselland and Bern University Hospital, completed questionnaires before and three months after their first visit. Data were collected between 2017 and 2023. Outcomes included satisfaction with patient-centered care and information dissemination, as well as worries, each rated from 1 to 4. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to identify associated factors. RESULTS: A total of 145 ACCS were included in the study. Satisfaction was very high, with mean scores of 3.77 (range = 2.75-4.00) for patient-centered care and 3.58 (range = 1.78-4.00) for information dissemination. Worries were reported at moderate levels (M = 2.02, range = 1.00-3.67). Discussing a higher proportion of wished topics during the visit was associated with greater satisfaction with patient-centered care (p = 0.01). Lower mental health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was associated with increased worries (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Satisfaction with LTFU visits was generally very high. ACCS with lower mental HRQoL may benefit from additional psychological support to mitigate worries.