Do survivorship care plans make a difference? A primary care provider perspective

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Primary Care Medicine
• Cancer Survivorship Research

Background:

• Increasing numbers of cancer survivors necessitate effective surveillance strategies.
• Survivorship Care Plans (SCPs) are crucial tools for managing ongoing care for cancer survivors.
• The UCLA-LIVESTRONG Survivorship Center of Excellence has experience providing SCPs since 2006.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the perceived value and impact of SCPs from the perspective of primary care providers (PCPs).
• To understand PCP attitudes towards providing follow-up care for cancer survivors.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement project involved semistructured interviews with 32 PCPs who had received SCPs.
• Interviews focused on the perceived value of SCPs for patient management and PCP attitudes toward survivor follow-up care.
• Interview data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.

Main Results:

• Fifteen PCPs participated, having received 30 SCPs; 10 read the SCPs before interviews.
• All interviewed PCPs reported SCPs provided valuable information on cancer history and follow-up recommendations.
• Eight PCPs reported changes in patient care due to SCPs, feeling more confident and prepared.

Conclusions:

• SCPs are highly valued by PCPs, enhancing their understanding of cancer survivors' history and recommended surveillance.
• SCPs positively influence patient care and management by equipping PCPs with essential information.
• The comprehensive format of SCPs is appreciated by PCPs for assisting in patient care.