TY - JOUR
T1 - Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to personalise follow-up care of ovarian cancer
T2 - what do patients think? A qualitative interview study
AU - Seeratan, Dachel D.
AU - van Schuylenburch, Robin G.
AU - van Lonkhuijzen, Luc R.C.W.
AU - Aarts, Johanna W.M.
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s) 2024.
PY - 2024/4
Y1 - 2024/4
N2 - Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore ovarian cancer patients’ preferences regarding follow-up care and, in particular, the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as an approach to personalise follow-up care. Methods: Between May and June 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ovarian cancer patients, who had finished their primary treatment at least 6 months prior and were receiving follow-up care at our centre. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. A thematic flow chart was created describing interacting themes. Results: Seventeen patients were interviewed, of which 11 were familiar with PROMs. Two key themes emerged from the data: the need for reassurance and the wish for personalised care. A follow-up scheme using PROMs was identified as a separate theme with the potential to personalise care. Several barriers and facilitators of PROMs were mentioned. Conclusions: Ovarian cancer patients have a desire for personalised follow-up care and seek reassurance. PROMs may be able to support both of these needs. Future research is needed to determine the most effective, patient-centred way to implement them. Implications for cancer survivors: By understanding what patients’ preferences are regarding follow-up care, more initiatives can be set up to personalise follow-up care, through which patient anxiety and dissatisfaction can be reduced.
AB - Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore ovarian cancer patients’ preferences regarding follow-up care and, in particular, the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) as an approach to personalise follow-up care. Methods: Between May and June 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ovarian cancer patients, who had finished their primary treatment at least 6 months prior and were receiving follow-up care at our centre. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an inductive thematic approach. A thematic flow chart was created describing interacting themes. Results: Seventeen patients were interviewed, of which 11 were familiar with PROMs. Two key themes emerged from the data: the need for reassurance and the wish for personalised care. A follow-up scheme using PROMs was identified as a separate theme with the potential to personalise care. Several barriers and facilitators of PROMs were mentioned. Conclusions: Ovarian cancer patients have a desire for personalised follow-up care and seek reassurance. PROMs may be able to support both of these needs. Future research is needed to determine the most effective, patient-centred way to implement them. Implications for cancer survivors: By understanding what patients’ preferences are regarding follow-up care, more initiatives can be set up to personalise follow-up care, through which patient anxiety and dissatisfaction can be reduced.
KW - Follow-up care
KW - Ovarian cancer
KW - Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs)
KW - Qualitative interview
KW - Quality of life
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85188603571&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s00520-024-08436-z
DO - 10.1007/s00520-024-08436-z
M3 - Article
C2 - 38528152
SN - 0941-4355
VL - 32
JO - Supportive Care in Cancer
JF - Supportive Care in Cancer
IS - 4
M1 - 247
ER -