Aim
Cancer care should not end when treatment ends. The literature shows that follow up cancer care for adolescents and young adults (AYA) 1-5 years off treatment differs across adult and paediatric hospital settings. Factors that affect the care include resources, coordination of care, historical practise and communication between multi-disciplinary teams1,2.
The aim of the survey was to review a cohort of AYA’s and examine their experience of follow up care from the end of cancer treatment up to 5 years. It is anticipated that this will show a gap in services and that there is an absence of a coordinated comprehensive approach and individualised provision of care. Establishing a multidisciplinary psychosocial clinic aims to optimise AYA wellbeing and improve overall survivorship outcomes.
Method
A literature search was undertaken to determine current practise and to identify what the essential features of high quality follow up cancer care should encompass1, 2.
A Likert scale type survey was developed (20 questions) to gather information about the actual experience of follow up care. This included surveying twenty AYA’s who have completed cancer treatment and are attending medical follow up appointments. Ten aged between 15-18 and ten aged 18-25 to capture patients in different hospital settings (paediatric and adult).
Conclusions
Once all the surveys are completed and analysed, it is anticipated the results of the research will demonstrate there is a need for a more co-ordinated approach to follow up cancer care. The literature provides us with valuable evidence to show that this need can be met through the establishment of nurse led clinics. Also that there is a positive impact and greater satisfaction for AYA to attend nurse led co-ordinated clinics for their follow up cancer care.1, 2.