Response to a treatment summary and care plan among adult survivors of pediatric and young adult cancer
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Purpose: Survivors of pediatric and young adult cancer are at increased risk for treatment-related problems. Yet, few survivors receive risk-based care. The treatment summary and care plan are recommended to improve understanding of cancer treatment, potential late effects, and recommended screening. It is unknown whether survivors retain, understand, value, and disseminate the document, and whether it causes worry. Methods: We surveyed 111 adult survivors of pediatric and young adult cancer 1 to 6 weeks after receipt of a one-page treatment summary and care plan (response rate, 96%). Participants answered questions regarding retention, understanding, value, dissemination, concern, and preferences. Results: Participants were majority female (58%), college-educated (60%), diagnosed with cancer before age 21 (76%), on average 18 years from diagnosis (range, 2 to 50 years), and treated with radiation and chemotherapy (61%). Median age was 30 years (range, 18 to 65 years). A majority of participants stated that they understood the treatment summary (95%), retained the document (95%), and valued it (92%). A minority reported that the document caused concern (14%) or wanted more information than the form provided (20%). Although the time between receipt of the document and survey was brief, many described dissemination of the document to their personal circle (44%) or an outside provider (10 [33%] of 30 who saw an outside doctor). Conclusion: A one-page treatment summary and care plan was well-received and did not cause report of undue concern. Additional health-related information was requested by some, and dissemination to outside providers could be improved. Copyright © 2012 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Spain, PD; Oeffinger, KC; Candela, J; McCabe, M; Ma, X; Tonorezos, ES
Published Date
- May 1, 2012
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 8 / 3
Start / End Page
- 196 - 202
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1935-469X
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1554-7477
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1200/JOP.2011.000345
Citation Source
- Scopus