The future of supportive care interventions for colorectal cancer survivors following primary treatment: clinicians’ opinions and current practices
Purpose Despite improving survival rates following colorectal cancer (CRC), post-treatment side-effects, such as bowel and sexual dysfunction, continue to impair survivors’ quality of life. These effects can persist, even years after completing primary treatment. This study aimed to explore the curr...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2023-01-01
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| Series: | Cancer Survivorship Research & Care |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/28352610.2023.2279094 |
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| Summary: | Purpose Despite improving survival rates following colorectal cancer (CRC), post-treatment side-effects, such as bowel and sexual dysfunction, continue to impair survivors’ quality of life. These effects can persist, even years after completing primary treatment. This study aimed to explore the current assessment and management practices of clinical stakeholders, types of available interventions, and their perceived effectiveness.Methods An online survey was developed in consultation with CRC survivors and clinicians including colorectal surgeons and cancer nurses. Clinicians with experience in treating patients with CRC following primary treatment were invited to participate. The survey was launched online internationally, and responses were descriptively analyzed using SPSS® Statistics for Windows®.Results Of 114 respondents, 64.4% had ≥10 years of experience working with CRC survivors. There was heterogeneity of methods used to assess ongoing issues in survivors. The referral pathways for a given treatment side-effect were also variable. The main barriers to delivering ongoing care were increased wait times to see a new healthcare provider and limited financial and geographical access to healthcare services. Respondents (87.2%) identified that establishing clinical pathways would better facilitate ongoing care for CRC survivors and 61.3% recognized the potential for new interventions for certain treatment effects.Conclusion There is significant variability in the assessment and management of long-term post-treatment effects following treatment for CRC. A streamlined process, including practical advice and referral pathways for the management of CRC survivors’ ongoing care, is required to better equip clinicians to effectively manage post-treatment effects that significantly impact the quality of life of survivors. |
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| ISSN: | 2835-2610 |