The Impact of Primary Care Physicians on Follow-up Care of Underserved Breast Cancer Survivors

171 Background: Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) initiated an innovative medical home (MH) program in the 1990s to improve primary care in Medicaid-insured populations. CCNC has been successful in improving asthma, diabetes, and cardiovascular outcomes, but has not been evaluated in the context of cancer care. We sought to determine whether MH enrollment was associated with guideline-concordant surveillance and follow-up care among breast cancer survivors. Methods: Using state cancer registry records matched to Medicaid claims, we identified women ages 18-64 diagnosed with stage 0, I, or II breast cancer from 2003-2007 and tracked their CCNC enrollment. Using published American Society for Clinical Oncology breast cancer survivorship guidelines to define our outcomes, we employed multivariate logistic regressions to examine correlates of receipt of surveillance mammogram and at least two physical exams within 15 months post-diagnosis. Results: In total, 840 women were included in our sample. Approximately half were enrolled in a CCNC MH during the study period, 38% were enrolled for more than 7 months post-diagnosis. Enrollment in a MH for at least 7 months post-diagnosis was strongly associated with receiving guideline-recommended surveillance mammogram (p<0.01) and at least 2 physical exams (p<0.01) within 15 months post-diagnosis. Conclusions: Results suggest that MH enrollment is associated with higher quality breast cancer survivorship care among women insured by Medicaid. Given the growing population of cancer survivors and increased emphasis on primary care MH, more research is needed to explore how medical homes can enhance and ensure the provision of guideline-recommended care during cancer survivorship.

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Surveillance and beliefs about follow-up care among long-term breast cancer survivors: a comparison of primary care and oncology providers

Journal of Cancer Survivorship ◽

10.1007/s11764-015-0454-y ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 96-102 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Betsy C. Risendal ◽

Rebecca L. Sedjo ◽

Anna R. Giuliano ◽

Susan Vadaparampil ◽

Paul B. Jacobsen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Primary Care ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Follow Up Care ◽

Oncology Providers

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Adherence to Follow-up Care Guidelines for Breast Cancer Survivors in four Canadian provinces: a CanIMPACT study

International Journal for Population Data Science ◽

10.23889/ijpds.v3i4.767 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Mary McBride ◽

Patti Groome ◽

Li Jiang ◽

Marlo Whitehead ◽

Dongdong Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Primary Care ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Late Effects ◽

Breast Imaging ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Guideline Compliance ◽

Follow Up Care ◽

Canadian Provinces

IntroductionBreast cancer survivors are at risk for late and ongoing problems including cancer recurrence and late effects of treatment. Lack of access to quality follow-up care may affect later mortality, morbidity, and quality of life. This study examines variation in utilization of guideline-based follow-up care separately for four Canadian provinces. Objectives and ApproachFor our retrospective population-based cohort study of breast cancer survivors diagnosed from 2007 to 2010 in British Columbia (BC), 2007-2011 in Manitoba (MB), 2007-2010 in Ontario (ON), and 2007-2012 in Nova Scotia (NS), we linked provincial cancer registries, clinical and health administrative databases, and followed cases alive at 30 months post-diagnosis to five years from diagnosis. For each province, we calculated percent adherence, overuse, and underuse of recommended follow-up care, including surveillance for recurrent and new cancer, surveillance for late effects, and general preventive care. We also examined variation among provinces and over time. ResultsSurvivor numbers were 23,700 (ON), 9493 (BC), 2688 (MB), and 2735 (NS). Annual oncologist visit guideline compliance varied provincially (e.g. Year 2 ON=32.7%, BC=15.0%). For most provinces and follow-up years, the majority of survivors had fewer oncologist visits than recommended. However, survivors had additional annual breast cancer-related visits to a primary care provider. Surveillance breast imaging guideline compliance was high (e.g. Year 2, ON=81.1%, MB=72.0%, NS=52.8%, BC =49.7%), with rates declining in ON and MB (to approximately 64%), but increasing in NS and BC (to approximately 58%) by Year 5. Overuse of breast imaging was identified in NS (9.1%-20.7% overuse in follow-up years 2-5). As per the guideline, 72.9%-79.7% (Years 2-5) of BC survivors had no imaging for metastastic disease, highest among all provinces. Conclusion/ImplicationsProvincial and temporal variations in guideline adherence were identified. Patterns differed by guideline, and both overuse and underuse were observed. These results point to opportunities to improve survivor care and efficiencies in care delivery. In particular, regular care with a primary care physician has been shown to improve follow-up care.

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A randomised trial of a patient-centred strategy to facilitate transition of breast cancer survivors' routine Follow-UP from specialist to primary care

http://isrctn.org/> ◽

10.1186/isrctn86567908 ◽

2012 ◽

Author(s):

Eva Grunfeld

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Primary Care ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Randomised Trial

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Primary Care Physicians' Views of Routine Follow-Up Care of Cancer Survivors

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2008.20.4883 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 27 (20) ◽

pp. 3338-3345 ◽

Cited By ~ 164

Author(s):

M. Elisabeth Del Giudice ◽

Eva Grunfeld ◽

Bart J. Harvey ◽

Eugenia Piliotis ◽

Sunil Verma

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Mail Survey ◽

Patient Specific ◽

Urban Centers ◽

Optimal Care ◽

Adult Cancer Survivors ◽

Follow Up Care

Purpose Routine follow-up of adult cancer survivors is an important clinical and health service issue. Because of a lack of evidence supporting advantages of long-term follow-up care in oncology clinics, there is increasing interest for the locus of this care to be provided by primary care physicians (PCPs). However, current Canadian PCP views on this issue have been largely unknown. Methods A mail survey of a random sample of PCPs across Canada, stratified by region and proximity to urban centers, was conducted. Views on routine follow-up of adult cancer survivors and modalities to facilitate PCPs in providing this care were determined. Results A total of 330 PCPs responded (adjusted response rate, 51.7%). After completion of active treatment, PCPs were willing to assume exclusive responsibility for routine follow-up care after 2.4 ± 2.3 years had elapsed for prostate cancer, 2.6 ± 2.6 years for colorectal cancer, 2.8 ± 2.5 years for breast cancer, and 3.2 ± 2.7 years for lymphoma. PCPs already providing this care were willing to provide exclusive care sooner. The most useful modalities PCPs felt would assist them in assuming exclusive responsibility for follow-up cancer care were (1) a patient-specific letter from the specialist, (2) printed guidelines, (3) expedited routes of rereferral, and (4) expedited access to investigations for suspected recurrence. Conclusion With appropriate information and support in place, PCPs reported being willing to assume exclusive responsibility for the follow-up care of adult cancer survivors. Insights gained from this survey may ultimately help guide strategies in providing optimal care to these patients.

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Survivorship Care Focus Group Discussions for Breast Cancer Survivors and Primary Care Clinicians

Clinical Oncology and Research ◽

10.31487/j.cor.2021.06.04 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Hillary Klonoff-Cohen ◽

Mounika Polavarapu

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Primary Care ◽

Focus Group ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Nurse Practitioners ◽

Late Effects ◽

Primary Care Physicians ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Survivorship Care ◽

Psychological Consequences

Purpose: This is the first pilot study to examine survivors’ experiences and primary care physicians and nurse practitioners’ knowledge and behaviour practices with respect to late effects (e.g., fatigue, chemobrain, lymphodema, cardiac problems, reproductive, infertility and sexual health issues, bone problems, and pain). Methods: Two separate focus groups consisting of 5 breast cancer survivors and 5 primary care physicians and nurse practitioners recruited from a local hospital in Central Illinois answered predetermined questions about cancer survivorship care. We intentionally limited the sample in order to conduct a detailed discussion (90 minutes) to gain every participant’s perspective. Results: Breast cancer survivors expressed a void in discussion and lack of knowledge among their primary care physicians regarding late effects as well as psychological consequences, referrals to support groups, and availability of resources (e.g., finances), thereby negatively affecting survivors’ quality of life. A primary care clinician (PCC) focus group revealed a service gap for mental health services for all patients, knowledge deficit about late effects, and lack of awareness of patient resources. Both cancer survivors and PCCs were extremely supportive about a shared care survivorship model between oncology and primary care. All focus group participants were unequivocally receptive about enhancing survivorship care throughout a cancer survivor’s lifetime. Conclusion: Complementing cancer survivorship care with primary care clinicians in the areas of late effects, in addition to psychological consequences, screening, and lifestyle habits will enhance a cancer survivor’s health-related quality of life.

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

JMIR Research Protocols ◽

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

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Feasibility of group follow-up visit for breast cancer survivors

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.19603 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽

pp. 19603-19603

Author(s):

C. O. Ruud ◽

K. Francis ◽

C. Stephens ◽

M. H. Rajab

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Social Worker ◽

Breast Cancer Survivors ◽

Breast Cancer Patients ◽

Group Visit ◽

Follow Up Care

19603 Background: The ASCO 2006 guidelines specify that regularly scheduled follow-up care of breast cancer survivors should be the standard. Follow up care is a “teachable moment” to train survivors in positive habits. A group visit model at the Cleveland Clinic proved feasible and improved patient satisfaction for other diseases. Our objectives include assessing the feasibility of an adapted group follow-up visit for the care of breast cancer patients and patient satisfaction. Methods: A feasibility study targeting breast cancer patients who completed primary therapy and were scheduled for a routine appointment. We mailed letters inviting patients to a follow-up group visit. Patients were divided into 3 groups, each scheduled for a separate (90–120 minute). During the first half of the visit, participants were divided into three groups; 5-minute physician exam, nurse review of medications and vital signs, and instruction by a social worker. Groups were rotated. During the second half the doctor, nurse, and social worker met with all participants in one room starting with an educational presentation about fatigue and exercise. Each participant was subsequently interviewed by the physician in the presence of their peers. Shared complaints were investigated first. Patients rated their satisfaction with the different parts of the visit on a scale of 1–5. Participants were surveyed pre- and post- education session and asked if they would participate again. Participants were allowed to bring a family member or friend. Results: 29 (29.6 %) out of 98 consented and 22 (22.5%) attended;10 in first visit, 5 in second visit and 7 in last visit. Average age 61±8, ranged from 46–72 years. Most participants were satisfied with all parts of the group visit, except two in the first group were less satisfied with the check in process and moving between rooms. Comparing the pre- vs. post- educational session surveys showed an improved understanding of the importance of fatigue or exercise. 17 (77%) out of 22 participants agreed to participate in another group visit. Conclusion: Group visit format is feasible and provides patient satisfaction. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

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