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. 2023 Aug;12(15):16531-16547.
doi: 10.1002/cam4.6243. Epub 2023 Jun 16.

Systematic review of patients' and healthcare professionals' views on patient-initiated follow-up in treated cancer patients

Janine Dretzke  1 , Ava Lorenc  2 , Ada Adriano  1 , Clare Herd  1 , Hisham Mehanna  3 , Paul Nankivell  3 , David J Moore  1 ; PETNECK2 Research Team
Collaborators, Affiliations

Systematic review of patients' and healthcare professionals' views on patient-initiated follow-up in treated cancer patients

Janine Dretzke et al. Cancer Med. 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Current follow-up models in cancer are seen to be unsustainable and inflexible, and there is growing interest in alternative models, such as patient-initiated follow-up (PIFU). It is therefore important to understand whether PIFU is acceptable to patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods: Standard systematic review methodology aimed at limiting bias was used for study identification (to January 2022), selection and data extraction. Thematic synthesis was undertaken for qualitative data, and survey findings were tabulated and described.

Results: Nine qualitative studies and 22 surveys were included, mainly in breast and endometrial cancer. Women treated for breast or endometrial cancer and HCPs were mostly supportive of PIFU. Facilitators for PIFU included convenience, control over own health and avoidance of anxiety-inducing clinic appointments. Barriers included loss of reassurance from scheduled visits and lack of confidence in self-management. HCPs were supportive of PIFU but concerned about resistance to change, unsuitability of PIFU for some patients and costs.

Conclusion: PIFU is viewed mostly positively by women treated for breast or endometrial cancer, and by HCPs, but further evidence is needed from a wider range of cancers, men, and more representative samples. A protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020181412).

Keywords: attitude; cancer; patient‐initiated follow‐up; qualitative research; survey; systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Three of the authors (AL, HM and PN) are authors of one of the studies included in this systematic review. None of the other authors report any conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
PRISMA flowchart. *4 studies represented in both categories.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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