Home visits by a nurse practitioner of patients who have undergone an operation for esophageal carcinoma: a randomized study.

Surgery for esophageal cancer is a serious life-event, which is accompanied by significant morbidity in 30% of cases. This may influence quality of life of patients. Common postoperative symptoms include dysphagia, weight loss and a change in eating patterns. In addition, fatigue, reflux symptoms, dumping syndrome, as well as physical limitations in normal daily life are observed, particularly in the first year after esophageal resection. It is well known that 30% of patients will develop recurrent cancer in the first year after an esophageal resection. Treatment and counseling for these physical problems are important issues during follow up after surgery for esophageal cancer.
Recently, psychosocial problems have been acknowledged as an important surgical outcome measure. Therefore, it is important that questions about treatment and disease related symptoms, and about the prognosis are adequately discussed. Besides, patients may need reassurance and emotional support during follow-up visits.
The aim of this study is to evaluate nurse-led follow-up for patients after esophageal cancer surgery by home visits. Outcome will be compared with the usual follow-up by surgeons in the outpatient clinic. Data collection will be focused on quality of life, patient satisfaction and cost.

Have home visits performed by a nurse practitioner, compared with standard medical follow-up, a positive impact on the quality of life of patients who have undergone an operation for esophageal carcinoma?

N/A

Nurse-led follow-up by home visits versus standard medical follow-up (out patient clinic).