An evaluation of survivorship care plan program.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 62-62
Author(s):  
Debra Spoljaric ◽  
Brittany Depp ◽  
Allison A. King
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Cancer Survivor ◽  
Late Effects ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
The Impact

62 Background: The Commission on Cancer mandated the development and implementation of survivorship care plans (SCP) in 2015. Minimal evidence exists to suggest SCP are meaningful to survivors and primary care physicians (PCP). We sought to evaluate the usefulness of the SCP as perceived by both survivors and PCP. Methods: Phase I was 8-month pilot using a 7-page SCP detailing medical information and follow up sections addressed to the survivor and to the PCP. To evaluate patient and PCP views on the SCP, a telephone survey was created for patients and a two-page Likert scale survey for PCP was faxed. Phase I evaluations revealed 90% of survivors did not look past page 2 of the document and 16% of PCP felt it was too long and busy to read. The SCP was edited for a 3-page version and implemented in Phase II over 11-months. Results: In Phase I, 78 SCP were delivered to survivors, 58% were surveyed. Of PCP, 24% responded. In Phase II, 895 SCP were delivered, and 274 (31%) survivors surveyed. In Phase I and II, when asked to identify themselves as a cancer survivor, 282 (88%) confirmed and 21 (7%) were unsure. After reviewing the SCP, 93.1% understood their plan of care; 79.6% understood potential late effects; 33% were aware of support or resources available; 96% would recommend to another cancer survivor to get one. In Phase II, 16% (43) of PCP responded. Overall replies were positive: 61% found resource list helpful; 66% wanted more specific information about patient potential late effects; 87% agreed knowing symptoms of late effects is helpful. 70% wanted clarity on follow up tests needed and who should order. PCP overwhelmingly agreed (88%) the SCP is helpful. 90% agreed that knowing ongoing side effects of treatment was important. Conclusions: Survivors liked having their cancer treatment in one concise document and PCP physicians feel that the SCP is meeting their basic needs. PCP are interested in more specific long term side effects to monitor in their patients and direction on what follow-up tests are needed and who is ordering them. Further research is needed to study the impact of SCP on survivors’ health.

Impact of survivorship care plan (SCP) document on cancer survivors’ understanding of their cancer care and follow up.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 53-53
Author(s):  
Farhan Shahzad Imran ◽  
Heather Gorea ◽  
Brittany Heatherington ◽  
Susan Hodes ◽  
Nancy Mary Pictor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Cancer Surveillance ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care

53 Background: Follow up care for cancer survivors is often sidelined due to the lack of well-defined guidelines. A “Survivorship care plan (SCP)” document has been proposed to summarize key aspects of cancer care and the future follow up plan. Survey results of cancer survivors who had not received an SCP were compared with those who did receive an SCP. Methods: Surveys were mailed to patients who had completed cancer therapy with curative intent over two phases; phase I included patients who did not receive an SCP and phase II included patients who had received an SCP. The survey was designed to test understanding of diagnosis (stage), care team, symptoms of relapse, surveillance plan, and side effects of treatment. Microsoft Excel was used to calculate descriptive statistics on the quantitative data and frequency counts for the qualitative data. Results: During Phase I, 162 cancer survivors completed the survey and reported diagnosis of colon (2%), lung (6%) or breast (90%) cancer. During Phase II, 107 cancer survivors completed the survey and reported diagnosis of colon (2%), lung (8%), breast (44%) or other (44%) cancer. For both phases, only 2% patients could not correctly identify their cancer diagnosis. Only 12% Phase I and 18% Phase II patients were unable to identify the stage of their cancer at diagnosis. Phase I patients were better able to recall discussing their follow up plan with their provider (95%) and which tests should be performed as part of their cancer surveillance (86%) when compared to Phase II patients (90% and 78%, respectively). Phase II patients were better able to identify factors associated with their cancer where 57% accurately listed symptoms suggesting cancer recurrence and 52% correctly listed potential long-term side effects of cancer treatment. Only 20% and 17% Phase I patients correctly listed examples of each, respectively. Conclusions: Although it is intuitive that an SCP would improve patient understanding, we found a less than expected impact. Patients scored similarly or less favorable in most aspects with the distribution of the SCP, but were better able to identify signs and symptoms of disease recurrence and potential side effects of treatment.

Measuring impact of survivorship care plans on head and neck cancer patients.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 73-73
Author(s):  
Bridgett Ann Harr ◽  
Joanna Bodmann ◽  
Shlomo A. Koyfman ◽  
Tobenna Igweonu Nwizu ◽  
Nikhil Purushottam Joshi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

73 Background: At our institution, patients who have completed treatment for a locoregionally confined head and neck cancer are followed in a multidisciplinary head and neck survivorship clinic initiated by the administration of a formal, patient specific survivorship care plan (SCP). We sought to assess the impact of these SCP visits on patient understanding of their disease, its treatment, and potential late effects and follow up plans. Methods: An IRB approved survey was administered by an uninvolved third party, to an unselected sequential series of head and neck cancer survivorship patients at the time of a regularly scheduled follow up visit. The survey focused on the knowledge recalled from the SCP, and whether this changed over time. We analyzed two cohorts of patients, based on whether the SCP had been given to them within the last 18 months or not. Results: Preliminary results from the first 20 patients surveyed are presented. These patients received their SCP 3-27 months before being surveyed. Primary tumor sites included oropharynx (16) and larynx (4) and most patients had been treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (19) and concurrent cisplatin (11). Conclusions: Although patients’ recall about receiving a formal SCP appeared to diminish over time, the information provided by this SCP plan and subsequent survivorship visits was retained. Whether this reflected the SCP itself, or the reinforcement of continued close follow up survivorship visits cannot be determined, but merits further investigation. [Table: see text]

Evaluating Survivorship Care Plans: Results of a Randomized, Clinical Trial of Patients With Breast Cancer

2011 ◽  
Vol 29 (36) ◽  
pp. 4755-4762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva Grunfeld ◽  
Jim A. Julian ◽  
Gregory Pond ◽  
Elizabeth Maunsell ◽  
Douglas Coyle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

Purpose An Institute of Medicine report recommends that patients with cancer receive a survivorship care plan (SCP). The trial objective was to determine if an SCP for breast cancer survivors improves patient-reported outcomes. Patients and Methods Women with early-stage breast cancer who completed primary treatment at least 3 months previously were eligible. Consenting patients were allocated within two strata: less than 24 months and ≥ 24 months since diagnosis. All patients were transferred to their own primary care physician (PCP) for follow-up. In addition to a discharge visit, the intervention group received an SCP, which was reviewed during a 30-minute educational session with a nurse, and their PCP received the SCP and guideline on follow-up. The primary outcome was cancer-related distress at 12 months, assessed by the Impact of Event Scale (IES). Secondary outcomes included quality of life, patient satisfaction, continuity/coordination of care, and health service measures. Results Overall, 408 survivors were enrolled through nine tertiary cancer centers. There were no differences between groups on cancer-related distress or on any of the patient-reported secondary outcomes, and there were no differences when the two strata were analyzed separately. More patients in the intervention than control group correctly identify their PCP as primarily responsible for follow-up (98.7% v 89.1%; difference, 9.6%; 95% CI, 3.9 to 15.9; P = .005). Conclusion The results do not support the hypothesis that SCPs are beneficial for improving patient-reported outcomes. Transferring follow-up to PCPs is considered an important strategy to meet the demand for scarce oncology resources. SCPs were no better than a standard discharge visit with the oncologist to facilitate transfer.

The impact of survivorship care plans on knowledge among breast cancer survivors.

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (26_suppl) ◽  
pp. 124-124
Author(s):  
Kaleigh Bulloch ◽  
Melinda Irwin ◽  
Anees B. Chagpar ◽  
Nina Ruth Horowitz ◽  
Brigid K. Killelea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Patient Knowledge ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
The Impact

124 Background: Despite the Institute of Medicine’s recommendation that all cancer survivors be provided with a survivorship care plan (SCP), there is limited information as to whether SCPs improve knowledge. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of SCPs on patient knowledge regarding tumor stage, cancer treatment and potential risk of long-term side effects, surveillance recommendations, and perceived knowledge of their therapy. Methods: 75 English-speaking women over the age of 18 were enrolled in this prospective study. The participants’ treatment progress was tracked through the electronic medical record and used to create the SCP, which was given to them at the completion of treatment (defined as the time patients had completed radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments and initiated on hormonal therapy, if applicable). Knowledge of stage, treatments, potential side effects, and surveillance recommendations were assessed before receiving the SCP and again two months later. Accuracy of responses was compared using the McNemar test. Results: The median patient age was 56.8 ± 12.5 and 47.1% were stage I, 37.3% were stage II, and 15.7% were stage III. Participants were statistically more accurate in identifying their stage after receiving their SCP than at baseline (72.6% vs. 92.2%, p = 0.0016). While many patients were more accurate in the identification of the cancer treatment they received after SCP, the only significant improvement was in identifying 5-Fluorouracil as chemotherapy received (65.5% vs. 89.7%, p=0.0196). Patients were more accurate in identifying potential side effects but were only statistically more accurate at identifying leukemia as a risk factor (36.0% vs. 46.9%, p=0.0348). At baseline and follow up patients perceived that they had a high level of understanding as it related to their cancer stage (60.4%, and 66.7%), treatment (69.4%, and 71.4%), and surveillance recommendations (61.4%, and 54.6%). Conclusions: SCPs appear to improve patient knowledge in several important areas including basic and specific treatment details, surveillance recommendations, and potential side effects. Delivery of a SCPs is one strategy to improve knowledge of treatments received.

Enhancing the cancer survivors' experience with tailored supportive services.

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (29_suppl) ◽  
pp. 236-236
Author(s):  
Guadalupe R. Palos ◽  
Paula A. Lewis-Patterson ◽  
Patricia Chapman ◽  
Katherine Ramsey Gilmore ◽  
Maria Alma Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Late Effects ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Follow Up Care ◽  
Education Needs

236 Background: Maintaining health and well-being is a primary goal throughout the cancer experience. The dynamic nature of a survivor’s trajectory makes it difficult to tailor education and supportive care services to their actual needs. We sought to determine information and education needs preferred by survivors who had returned to their communities after completing their treatment. Methods: We partnered with survivors' advocacy groups to conduct a needs assessment with adult survivors attending a community survivorship conference. Once eligibility was confirmed, verbal consent was obtained, and instructions were given on survey completion. A modified version of the NCI Follow-Up Care Use among Survivors survey was used. Analyses focused on clinical/sociodemographic characteristics, preferences for follow-up care, information/education needs, and sources for receiving health information. Simple descriptives were used to report the results. Results: We distributed 284 questionnaires and 169 were returned, yielding a 59.5% response rate. Respondents were mostly female (79.9%), married (58.6%), college educated (81.7%) and had ver 10 post-treatment years (47.3%). 51.3% were diagnosed with breast cancer and 81.8% reported being in good to excellent health. 57.3% had follow-up cancer care, 30.8% did not recall having a discussion with their provider about late-effects, and 57.6% reported not receiving a summary care plan. 83.7% preferred to have the same provider follow them and 95.2% reported their oncologist would be their ideal doctor. Survivors preferred more information on ways to improve memory/concentration (83.9%), energy/exercise (83.3%), and maximizing the benefits of their survivorship care plan (74.6%). Preferred information sources were health care providers (78.0%) and the internet (39.3%). Conclusions: These survivors reported a high level of unmet information needs related to self-management of physical symptoms. Patient-provider communication about late-effects and benefits of survivorship care plans continues to be inadequate. Physicians and other providers are in ideal positions to initiate conversations about supportive survivorship care early in the patient experience.

Patient-reported survivorship care practices and late effects after treatment of Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 119-119
Author(s):  
Melissa Frick ◽  
Carolyn Vachani ◽  
Margaret K. Hampshire ◽  
Christina Bach ◽  
Karen Arnold-Korzeniowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Disease ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Transitions Of Care ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Care Practices

119 Background: Multimodal treatment of HL and NHL yields excellent outcomes, however, survivors are at risk for developing myriad late- and long-term effects (LLTEs). We describe survivorship care practices and LLTEs reported by HL/ NHL survivors. Methods: From a convenience sample of 964 HL (37%) and NHL (63%) cancer survivors using a publicly available Internet-based survivorship care plan (SCP) tool between 2011-2016, we examined cancer care and toxicity profile data. Results: Of all survivors, 67% were female and 84% were Caucasian; median age of diagnosis was 28y for HL and 49y for NHL survivors with median fu of 5y and 2y, respectively. 88% were free of cancer, 9% with recurrent or secondary malignancy, and 3% with metastatic disease. Chemotherapy was delivered to 89% of HL and 94% of NHL survivors, and radiation (RT) to 64% and 28%, respectively. Of those receiving RT, 96% (n = 217) HL and 61% (n = 106) NHL survivors received chest/mantle RT. Few reported receipt of previous SCP (13%) or treatment summary (4%). Most reported continued care from an oncologist (49%) or in combination with a PCP (19%). A shift to PCP management alone was observed, increasing from 2% of survivors if < 2y fu to 30% once ≥2y fu. Survivors who received chest RT reported: hyper- or hypothyroidism (35%), thyroid nodules (8%), speaking/swallowing changes (20%), heart disease (14%), pulmonary fibrosis/pneumonitis (12%), and skin cancers within the RT field (9%). 6 of 321 (2%) who received chest RT reported secondary breast cancers, compared to zero in the group not receiving chest RT with median time to breast cancer 20.5y (R 6-32 years). Receipt of chemotherapy was associated with: chronic fatigue (56%), cognitive change (56%), peripheral neuropathy (35%), sexual changes (15% of males, 35% of females), and heart disease (10%). Conclusions: While this population achieves excellent disease outcomes, survivors report a substantial burden of LLTEs, suboptimal delivery of survivorship information, and transitions of care in follow-up. Multiple opportunities thus exist through which SCPs may be used to improve awareness regarding survivorship/ LLTEs and communicate follow-up care plans between survivors and treatment teams.

scholarly journals Exploring Interactive Survivorship Care Plans to Support Breast Cancer Survivors: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/23414 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. e23414
Author(s):  
Akshat Kapoor ◽  
Priya Nambisan
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Survivorship Care Plans ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
The Impact

Background Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among American women, accounting for 23% of all cancer survivors nationally. Yet, the availability of adequate resources and tools for supporting breast cancer survivors has not kept up with the rapid advancement in treatment options, resulting in unmet supportive care needs, particularly among low-income and minority populations. This study explores an alternative means of delivering breast cancer survivorship care plans (SCPs), with the aim of improving survivor morbidity, patient knowledge, and self-management of treatment-related symptoms, as well as addressing inconsistencies in follow-up care visits. Objective The overall goal of this study is to improve the uptake of SCP recommendations via an educational intervention for breast cancer survivors, to improve treatment-related morbidity, patient knowledge, self-management, and adherence to follow-up visits. The specific aims of the study are to (1) evaluate the feasibility of the online SCP, and (2) assess the impact of the online SCP on survivorship outcomes. Methods We will enroll 50 breast cancer survivors who have completed initial breast cancer treatment into a 2-armed, randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot trial, and collect data at baseline and 6 months. For the first aim, we will use mixed methods, including surveys and personal interviews among the intervention group, to determine the feasibility of providing an online, interactive SCP (called ACESO) based on the survivors’ online user experience and their short-term adoption. For the secondary aim, we will compare the 2 groups to assess the primary outcomes of survivor knowledge, self-efficacy for self-management, perceived peer support, and adherence to SCP-recommended posttreatment follow-up visits to oncology and primary care; and the secondary outcomes of treatment-related morbidity (body weight, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sexual function, distress, and sleep quality). We assess these outcomes by using measurements from validated instruments with robust psychometric properties. Results We have developed and refined the online breast cancer survivorship plan, ACESO, with consultation from breast cancer oncologists, nurses, and survivors. Approval for the study protocol has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board. An advisory board has also been established to provide oversight and recommendations on the conduct of the study. The study will be completed over a period of 2 years. Conclusions The results of this pilot study will inform the feasibility and design of a larger-scale pragmatic trial to evaluate the impact of an online breast cancer SCP on treatment-related morbidity and self-efficacy for self-management. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/23414

Survivor feedback on a late effects-oriented survivorship care plan for head and neck cancer.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e21596-e21596
Author(s):  
Talya Salz ◽  
Mary S. McCabe ◽  
Kevin C. Oeffinger ◽  
Rebecca B Schnall ◽  
Stacie Corcoran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Late Effects ◽  
Clinic Visit ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Patient Reported

e21596 Background: Survivorship care plans (SCPs) typically include generic advice for the management of late effects (LEs) that can occur, rather than addressing LEs that the survivor actually has. We developed a platform called HN-STAR that uses electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) and evidence-based LE management to generate a personalized SCP for survivors of head and neck cancer (HNC), a population vulnerable to various LEs. We assessed HNC survivors’ experiences with HN-STAR to ensure its acceptability and usefulness. Methods: Disease-free HNC survivors at two cancer hospitals used HN-STAR in conjunction with a routine survivorship visit. Prior to the visit, survivors used a validated ePRO measure (PRO-CTCAE) to report up to 22 physical LEs. Based on clinic visit discussions, HN-STAR generated an SCP that included a treatment summary and LE management plans. Survivors indicated their level of agreement to statements regarding the ease of use of the ePROs, content of the SCP, and intentions to adhere to LE management recommendations. Results: 47 survivors completed surveys (mean 5.4 years from treatment completion). Most were white (89%), male (85%), had an oropharynx tumor (58%), and received multimodality therapy (81%). More than half (51%) experienced at least 9 of the 22 LEs in the last 30 days (mean 8.2 per person). Most survivors reported that completing ePROs improved the discussions with their provider (98%), the quality of their care (96%), and their communication with their provider (98%). 91% agreed the SCP was the right length, and 98% agreed it was easy to follow. 98% intended to follow at least some of the recommendations for LEs management, and 98% reported feeling confident that they could follow the recommendations. The majority agreed that the SCP accurately summarized the clinic visit (98%), they would refer back to the SCP (98%), they trust the SCP (100%), and they plan to share the SCP with a primary care provider (87%). Conclusions: Among HNC survivors, an automatically generated SCP that was tailored to their LEs was acceptable, was trusted, and provided recommendations they intended to follow. Patient-centered SCPs that focus on existing LEs hold promise as a means to help survivors manage LEs.

Perceived value of cancer survivorship care among Asians and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e22522-e22522
Author(s):  
Jared David Acoba ◽  
Sharon Tamashiro ◽  
Marci Chock
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Racial Differences ◽  
Cancer Survivorship ◽  
Native Hawaiian ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care Plans ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Plans

e22522 Background: Numerous studies have evaluated the impact of cancer survivorship care. However, no study to date has focused on Asian or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NH/PI) cancer survivors. It has been well documented that Asian and NH/PI patients often suffer from inferior cancer outcomes compared to White patients, and differences in their experience with cancer survivorship care could contribute to this disparity. Methods: Surveys were sent to 1410 cancer survivors who were treated at a community cancer center with curative intent and who had received survivorship care plans between Jan 2014 and June 2018. The 26-item questionnaire evaluated patients’ perception of various aspects of their survivorship care plan and follow-up physician visits. All responses were anonymous. Results: Of the 360 patients who responded, 24% were White, 54% Asian, and 13% NH/PI. Compared to Whites, Asian and NH/PI patients were younger (p = 0.004), less educated (p = 0.004), and reported a lower income (p < 0.0005). Among all patients, 62% reported that the survivorship care plan was “very helpful” and 86% rated their satisfaction with physician follow-up visits as “very good” to “excellent.” There were no racial differences in satisfaction with either survivorship care plan or physician follow-up. In a multivariate binary logistic regression, Asians and NH/PI patients were significantly more likely to rate ongoing survivorship care as helpful compared to Whites, OR 4.08 (95%CI, 2.13-7.82). Conclusions: There were no racial differences in patient satisfaction with their survivorship care plans and follow-up care. However, Asian and NH/PI patients valued ongoing cancer survivorship care follow-up significantly more than White patients. Whether more extensive survivorship care would lead to improved outcomes among Asian and NH/PI cancer patients should be investigated further.

scholarly journals Views of family physicians about survivorship care plans to provide breast cancer follow-up care: exploration of results from a randomized controlled trial

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 252 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.A. O'Brien ◽  
E. Grunfeld ◽  
J. Sussman ◽  
G. Porter ◽  
M. Hammond Mobilio
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Survivorship Care Plan ◽  
Survivorship Care Plans ◽  
Survivorship Care ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Background The U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends that cancer patients receive survivorship care plans, but evaluations to date have found little evidence of the effectiveness of such plans. We conducted a qualitative follow-on study to a randomized controlled trial (rct) to understand the experiences of family physicians using survivorship care plans to support the follow-up of breast cancer patients.MethodsA subset of family physicians whose patients were enrolled in the parent rct in Ontario and Nova Scotia were eligible for this study. In interviews, the physicians discussed survivorship care plans (intervention) or usual discharge letters (control), and their confidence in providing follow-up cancer care.Results Of 123 eligible family physicians, 18 (10 intervention, 8 control) were interviewed. In general, physicians receiving a survivorship care plan found only the 1-page care record to be useful. Physicians who received only a discharge letter had variable views about the letter’s usefulness; several indicated that it lacked information about potential cancer- or treatment-related problems. Most physicians were comfortable providing care 3–5 years after diagnosis, but desired timely and informative communication with oncologists. Conclusions Although family physicians did not find extensive survivorship care plans useful, discharge letters might not be sufficiently comprehensive for follow-up breast cancer care. Effective strategies for two-way communication between family physicians and oncologists are still lacking.

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