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Towards a personalised approach to aftercare: a review of cancer follow-up in the UK

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Abstract

Introduction

Due to growth in cancer survivorship and subsequent resource limitations, the current UK position of follow-up services is unsustainable. With people living longer after a cancer diagnosis, supported self-management for ongoing treatment-related chronic conditions is a fundamental component of aftercare services. Alternative models to traditional hospital aftercare require consideration in terms of clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

Methods

‘Evidence to Inform the Cancer Reform Strategy: The Clinical Effectiveness of Follow-Up Services after Treatment for Cancer’ (Centre for Reviews and Dissemination 2007) has been updated using a number of quality-controlled databases. Correspondence with experts was also sought to identify current initiatives.

Result

The review highlights a shift towards patient empowerment via individualised and group education programmes aimed at increasing survivor’s ability to better manage their condition and the effects of treatment, allowing for self-referral or rapid access to health services when needed. The role of specialist nurses as key facilitators of supportive aftercare is emphasised, as is a move towards technology-based aftercare in the form of telephone or web-based services.

Conclusions

The challenge will be replacing traditional clinic follow-up with alternative methods in a cost-effective way that is either as equally effective, or more so. To establish this, more rigorous trials are needed, with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up assessments.

Implications for cancer survivors

Increasing patient confidence to initiate follow-up specific to their needs is likely to increase the workload of primary care providers, who will need training for this.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Cancer Survivorship Initiative, Self-Management Workstream, Macmillan Cancer Support, London, England

    Nicola J. Davies & Lynn Batehup

  2. Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, SE1 7UQ, UK

    Nicola J. Davies

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  1. Nicola J. Davies
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Correspondence to Nicola J. Davies.

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Davies, N.J., Batehup, L. Towards a personalised approach to aftercare: a review of cancer follow-up in the UK. J Cancer Surviv 5, 142–151 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-010-0165-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-010-0165-3

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