Experiences of follow-up after treatment in patients with prostate cancer: a qualitative study.

Journal article

OBJECTIVE: To develop an understanding of experiences of follow-up in patients with prostate cancer, to seek explanations as to why men's needs might not be well met, and explore views on the possible role of primary care in follow-up. The experiences of these patients, and views on the delivery of follow-up care, have been relatively neglected compared to those diagnosed with other cancers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 35 patients were recruited from 20 practices across three regions in the UK. Maximum variation was sought by purposely sampling by age (59-82 years), treatment, length (0.75-14 years) and mode of follow-up. RESULTS: Patients' descriptions of the content and organization of follow-up showed the shortcomings of follow-up, which included system failings causing patients to be lost to follow-up, and unmet psychosexual needs. Patients were mainly positive about the prospect of follow-up taking place outside the hospital setting. However, some expressed concerns about current follow-up practices and suggested several improvements that need considering if primary care were to take a greater role. CONCLUSION: This study identified some general deficiencies with the current system of follow-up, and our data indicate that primary care could have a role in addressing some of these.

Authors: O'Brien, R; Rose, P; Campbell, C; Weller, D; Neal, R

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: BJU international
• Volume: 106
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 998-1003
• Publication date: 2010-10-01
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2010.09292.x
• EISSN: 1464-410X
• ISSN: 1464-4096
• Language: English
• Keywords: Prostatic Neoplasms; Prostate Cancer Follow-up Group; Humans; Needs Assessment; Qualitative Research; Attitude to Health; Follow-Up Studies; Family Practice; Middle Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Male; Continuity of Patient Care; Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Delivery of Health Care