AIM: Most colorectal cancer recurrences are asymptomatic and are detected through routine postoperative clinic surveillance programmes with associated investigations. However, attendance at these clinics has a financial cost and may be associated with an increase in patient anxiety and dissatisfaction. The results of a remote follow-up system developed for selected patients are reported. METHOD: A remote surveillance programme has been in place in our institution for over 9 years. Patients having elective and emergency treatment for colorectal cancer were enrolled. The timeliness of the investigation, detection of local recurrence and distant metastases and overall 5-year survival rates were determined. A cost review and patient satisfaction survey were performed. RESULTS: The programme was suitable for over 900 patients who had received surgery for colorectal cancer between 2004 and 2012, representing some 50% of the total number of patients treated in this period. Of these, 811 (90%) had investigations carried out on time. Five-year survival rates were comparable with national data. Cost-minimization analysis demonstrated a financial saving of 63% and a 75% reduction in clinic appointments. High levels of overall patient satisfaction (97%) were noted with the programme. CONCLUSION: A remote surveillance system after colorectal cancer surgery is a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional clinic-based follow up and has high patient satisfaction. Colorectal Disease
AIM: Most colorectal cancer recurrences are asymptomatic and are detected through routine postoperative clinic surveillance programmes with associated investigations. However, attendance at these clinics has a financial cost and may be associated with an increase in patientanxiety and dissatisfaction. The results of a remote follow-up system developed for selected patients are reported. METHOD: A remote surveillance programme has been in place in our institution for over 9 years. Patients having elective and emergency treatment for colorectal cancer were enrolled. The timeliness of the investigation, detection of local recurrence and distant metastases and overall 5-year survival rates were determined. A cost review and patient satisfaction survey were performed. RESULTS: The programme was suitable for over 900 patients who had received surgery for colorectal cancer between 2004 and 2012, representing some 50% of the total number of patients treated in this period. Of these, 811 (90%) had investigations carried out on time. Five-year survival rates were comparable with national data. Cost-minimization analysis demonstrated a financial saving of 63% and a 75% reduction in clinic appointments. High levels of overall patient satisfaction (97%) were noted with the programme. CONCLUSION: A remote surveillance system after colorectal cancer surgery is a safe and cost-effective alternative to traditional clinic-based follow up and has high patient satisfaction. Colorectal Disease
Authors: L Batehup; K Porter; H Gage; P Williams; P Simmonds; E Lowson; L Dodson; N J Davies; R Wagland; J D Winter; A Richardson; A Turner; J L Corner Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2017-02-14 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Michael Jefford; Doris Howell; Qiuping Li; Karolina Lisy; Jane Maher; Catherine M Alfano; Meg Rynderman; Jon Emery Journal: Lancet Date: 2022-04-16 Impact factor: 202.731