Impact of shared care program in follow-up of childhood cancer survivors: An intervention study

Up to 80% of childhood cancer patients have at least a 5 year survival rate. Survivors of childhood cancer face a much higher risk for many other diseases later in life and lifelong risk-based care is recommended for these people. Some reports suggest that less than 20% of survivors attend follow-up focused care 10 or more years after their initial diagnosis. This study conducted in Bordeaux, France, tested a model of care of childhood cancer survivor follow up shared care to demonstrate that by using this systematic and organised model involving a care plan  long-term follow up will improve. This model involves a dedicated long-term follow up team that included an oncology nurse, medical secretary and a paediatric oncologist to liaise with primary care. They found in their control group fewer than 30% of survivors expected to be followed up by their GPs and that more than a quarter had ceased any kind of follow-up. Overall, their shared care program was feasible and accessible and hinged on the dedicated long-term follow up team created. The authors outline the need for a nationwide organization with sustained funding is needed to improve the shared care program in the very long term. Read the full article here.