OBJECTIVE: To investigate the experience of specialist hospital follow-up among 109 women with breast cancer in remission. METHODS: Qualitative interviews explored views of follow-up at an outpatient clinic. RESULTS: Continuity of care and an unrushed consultation were considered to be both desirable and efficient. There were concerns that discontinuity led to a lack of personal and case familiarity and communication difficulties. Access to cancer expertise, the availability of diagnostic tests and specialist facilities were valued features of hospital follow-up, and further analysis indicated that this was particularly important in the early stages of follow-up. DISCUSSION: A preference for continuity of care may suggest that GP follow-up would be preferred, but access to specialist services is valued and may be of particular importance during the early stages of follow-up. The diversity of patients' needs during follow-up must be recognised when formulating policy.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the experience of specialist hospital follow-up among 109 women with breast cancer in remission. METHODS: Qualitative interviews explored views of follow-up at an outpatient clinic. RESULTS: Continuity of care and an unrushed consultation were considered to be both desirable and efficient. There were concerns that discontinuity led to a lack of personal and case familiarity and communication difficulties. Access to cancer expertise, the availability of diagnostic tests and specialist facilities were valued features of hospital follow-up, and further analysis indicated that this was particularly important in the early stages of follow-up. DISCUSSION: A preference for continuity of care may suggest that GP follow-up would be preferred, but access to specialist services is valued and may be of particular importance during the early stages of follow-up. The diversity of patients' needs during follow-up must be recognised when formulating policy.
Authors: Ruth A Lewis; Richard D Neal; Maggie Hendry; Barbara France; Nefyn H Williams; Daphne Russell; Dyfrig A Hughes; Ian Russell; Nicholas S A Stuart; David Weller; Clare Wilkinson Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2009-07 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Ruth A Lewis; Richard D Neal; Nefyn H Williams; Barbara France; Maggie Hendry; Daphne Russell; Dyfrig A Hughes; Ian Russell; Nicholas S A Stuart; David Weller; Clare Wilkinson Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2009-07 Impact factor: 5.386
Authors: Carriene Roorda; Annette J Berendsen; Feikje Groenhof; Klaas van der Meer; Geertruida H de Bock Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2012-10-04 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Carriene Roorda; Geertruida H de Bock; Christian Scholing; Klaas van der Meer; Marjolein Y Berger; Marlieke de Fouw; Annette J Berendsen Journal: Health Expect Date: 2014-03-25 Impact factor: 3.377