Patient profiles as a basis for a tailored referral to cancer aftercare

Background. The number of (former) cancer patients is growing and the need for cancer aftercare is also increasing. Research shows that in the Netherlands too few (former) cancer patients are referred to appropriate aftercare. Both patients and care providers often do not know which form of aftercare is best for the individual patient. Customization is required when referring to aftercare, because (former) cancer patients can have different complaints, risks and needs. Using predefined patient profiles may help care providers in their initial assessment of the current situation and the patient's aftercare needs. This study is part of a KIEM-HBO project, in which prior to this study patient profiles were identified by means of quantitative data analyzes among prostate and colon cancer patients. The aim of current study is to gain insight into the opinions and considerations of healthcare professionals and (former) cancer patients about (1) the content and number of the identified patient profiles, (2) the forms and content of aftercare that the best fits each profile, (3) the usability and opportunities of patient profiles in healthcare practice and (4) the conditions for the implementation of the profiles in healthcare practice (only among healthcare professionals).

Method. Experiences, opinions and suggestions of healthcare professionals and (former) patients (expert panel) are mapped by means of three online group interviews. In addition, online questionnaires are administered to describe the participant's characteristics. The healthcare professionals receive additional information and preparatory questions about the patient profiles prior to the group interview. Participants are recruited in the project group's own network and in the network of the KIEM-HBO project consortium members. The participants in the group interviews are (1) (former) prostate cancer patients (N = 5-8), (2) (former) colon cancer patients (N = 5-8), (3) healthcare professionals (N = 5-8). Participating healthcare professionals come from different disciplines and have knowledge and experience in the field of oncology. Participating (former) cancer patients are adults and have (had) colon cancer or prostate cancer, have completed primary treatment and may receive adjuvant therapy. Participants may or may not have received cancer aftercare, must speak and understand the Dutch language and must be cognitively able to participate. The online group interviews last a maximum of 90 min (patient panel) or 120 min (professional panel) and are conducted systematically according to a topic list. Thematic data analysis is used for the analysis of the interview data and the results are described in a descriptive manner.

Results, discussion: Based on the results from this study, it will be concluded whether referral to cancer aftercare based on patient profiles can be promising in daily care practice, whether a follow-up study is useful and how it should be designed.

The aim of current study is to gain insight into the opinions and considerations of healthcare professionals and (former) cancer patients about (1) the content and number of the identified patient profiles, (2) the forms and content of aftercare that the best fits each profile, (3) the usability and opportunities of patient profiles in healthcare practice and (4) the conditions for the implementation of the profiles in healthcare practice (only among healthcare professionals).

January/ February 2021 performance group interviews, March/April Data-analysis and reporting.