As part of the development of a quality of life monitor for women with breast cancer, a qualitative acceptability test was conducted among 10 patients, to assess their suggestions for improvement.... Show moreAs part of the development of a quality of life monitor for women with breast cancer, a qualitative acceptability test was conducted among 10 patients, to assess their suggestions for improvement. Next, a field test was conducted among 50 women with breast cancer receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both treatments to examine the use of the monitor in daily practice and to assess physicians' and patients' experiences with the monitor. Although patients in general held a positive attitude toward the monitor and compliance was high, patients regularly were unsure about how the quality of life information was used by physicians. Show less
Hezewijk, M. van; Ranke, G.M.C.; Nes, J.G.H. van; Stiggelbout, A.M.; Bock, G.H. de; Velde, C.J.H. van de 2011
Background: In evaluating follow-up of early breast cancer, patients' views on care are important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the introduction of nurse practitioners (NPs)... Show moreBackground: In evaluating follow-up of early breast cancer, patients' views on care are important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the introduction of nurse practitioners (NPs) in a breast cancer unit on patients' informational needs, preferences and attitude towards follow-up. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed among two groups in 2005. Group A (n = 89) consisted of patients operated before, and group B (n = 100) after the introduction of a breast cancer unit (respectively in 1998-1999 and 2001-2004). Results: Response was 72% in group A and 84% in group B. Median follow-up was 69 (54-86) and 33 (0-57) months, respectively. Aspects highly appreciated by patients in both groups were lifetime follow-up, information about prognosis, life style and additional investigations. Important discussion subjects were fatigue, pain, genetic factors, prevention and arm function/lymph-oedema. Less valued aspects were information about peers, conversations with psychologists or social workers, breast reconstruction, and acceptation by family members. The informational needs and preferences did not differ statistically significantly between both groups. In group B, communication with the caregiver was valued higher and more patients indicated that the caregiver took the time needed. More patients in group B indicated that follow-up could be performed by the NP. Duration of follow-up correlated with preferred frequency, not with informational needs in follow-up, only young age increased these needs. Conclusion: Despite the limitations of this retrospective study, we conclude that while expectations and informational needs did not change with the introduction of a NP to the standard care, patient satisfaction increased and communication and time taken were appreciated more. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Show less
