Evaluation of a risk-based approach to follow-up care for breast cancer survivors: From oncology specialist to primary care provider (PCP).

Authors

null

Kathleen Keenan

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

Kathleen Keenan , Megan Dunne

Organizations

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

Research Funding

Other

Background: The number of cancer survivors in the Unites States is expected to exceed 18 million by the year 2020. Predicted care demands coupled with an anticipated shortage of oncologists have led to alternate follow up care models and providers. This nurse practitioner- (NP) led survivorship team was charged with developing a risk-based discharge plan for the > 8,000 breast cancer survivors in our survivorship clinic at this NCI-designated cancer center. Methods: In collaboration with breast oncologists and surgeons, a risk-based strategy to identify and transition eligible survivors to their PCPs was developed. Low risk was determined by: stage, absent disease and significant late-effects, and time since diagnosis. Interventions: Evidence supporting the willingness, availability and expectations of PCPs to provide follow-up care to cancer survivors was reviewed. Criteria for eligibility were developed; patient and PCP educational documents were created. Continued breast cancer screening at our center was offered with results sent directly to PCP. Outreach educational programs were provided to local PCP groups to build relationships and provide breast specific follow up recommendations. To promote communication and collaboration between NP and PCP prior to and at the time of transition, clinic notes were shared after each survivorship visit. A comprehensive transition note including detailed follow-up recommendations was provided at the time of transition. Patients were assured of rapid return to the oncology provider in the event of recurrence or cancer related issue. Results: 5080 patients were offered transition, with 3642 accepting. Mitigating factors and facilitators to transition for both patients and PCP will be discussed and educational strategies to overcome barriers will be described. Conclusions: Transition of breast cancer survivors’ care to PCPs is successful approximately 56% of the time. Key factors include seamless communication among providers and early discussions with patients to set expectations and normalize the transition early in the care pathway.

Disclaimer

This material on this page is ©2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology, all rights reserved. Licensing available upon request. For more information, please contact licensing@asco.org

Abstract Details

Meeting

2019 ASCO Annual Meeting

Session Type

Poster Session

Session Title

Health Services Research, Clinical Informatics, and Quality of Care

Track

Quality Care/Health Services Research

Sub Track

Care Delivery/Models of Care

Citation

J Clin Oncol 37, 2019 (suppl; abstr 6529)

DOI

10.1200/JCO.2019.37.15_suppl.6529

Abstract #

6529

Poster Bd #

220

Abstract Disclosures

Similar Abstracts

Abstract

2023 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Demand for oncology visits among low-risk breast cancer survivors.

First Author: Emily H. Douglas

Abstract

2022 ASCO Quality Care Symposium

Oncologist-reported frequency of managing specific long-term and late effects in breast cancer survivors.

First Author: Eden Brauer

First Author: Lisa Mikesell