TY - JOUR
T1 - Follow-up after curative treatment for breast cancer: why do we still adhere to frequent outpatient clinic visits?
AU - Kimman, M.L.
AU - Voogd, A.C.
AU - Dirksen, C.D.
AU - Falger, P.R.J.
AU - Hupperets, P.S.G.J.
AU - Keymeulen, K.B.I.M.
AU - Hebly, M.H.
AU - Dehing-Oberije, C.J.G.
AU - Lambin, P.
AU - Boersma, L.J.
PY - 2007/1/1
Y1 - 2007/1/1
N2 - Follow-up after curative treatment for breast cancer consists of frequent outpatient clinic visits, scheduled at regular intervals. Its aim is primarily to detect local disease recurrence, or a second primary breast cancer, but also to provide information and psychosocial support. The cost-effectiveness of these frequent visits is being questioned however, leading to a search for less intensive follow-up strategies, such as follow-up by the general practitioner, patient-initiated or nurse-led follow-up or contact by telephone. These strategies are generally considered to be safe, but they are not yet widely accepted in clinical practice. Since brief interventions based on self-education and information have been shown to be able to improve quality of life, we hypothesise that these interventions may lead to a better acceptance of reduced follow-up by both patients and professionals.
AB - Follow-up after curative treatment for breast cancer consists of frequent outpatient clinic visits, scheduled at regular intervals. Its aim is primarily to detect local disease recurrence, or a second primary breast cancer, but also to provide information and psychosocial support. The cost-effectiveness of these frequent visits is being questioned however, leading to a search for less intensive follow-up strategies, such as follow-up by the general practitioner, patient-initiated or nurse-led follow-up or contact by telephone. These strategies are generally considered to be safe, but they are not yet widely accepted in clinical practice. Since brief interventions based on self-education and information have been shown to be able to improve quality of life, we hypothesise that these interventions may lead to a better acceptance of reduced follow-up by both patients and professionals.
U2 - 10.1016/j.ejca.2006.12.002
DO - 10.1016/j.ejca.2006.12.002
M3 - Article
C2 - 17251004
SN - 0959-8049
VL - 43
SP - 647
EP - 653
JO - European Journal of Cancer
JF - European Journal of Cancer
IS - 4
ER -