A UK-wide survey of follow-up practices for patients with high-grade glioma treated with radical intent.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE

High-grade glioma profoundly affects patients and their families. The best ongoing care for patients completing radical treatment is uncertain. To address this issue a UK-wide audit surveying the follow-up practices of multidisciplinary cancer teams was conducted.

METHOD

An online survey package was used with a paper version available.

RESULTS

Of 102 clinicians approached 86 replied, a response rate of 84%. Three-monthly outpatient department appointments led by an oncologist and a specialist nurse were the norm, but more controversially, some centres conduct joint clinics with the whole neurosurgical/oncology team present or available. Nurse-led telephone follow-up in place of hospital visits is uncommon. Regular scanning is conducted despite the clinical benefits being contentious. Access to a range of allied services providing supportive care is considered, but the actual levels of need and the efficiency with which they are delivered require further investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

The picture of UK follow-up practices revealed by this survey demonstrates that research is now needed to determine what preferences patients and families have for follow-up and their satisfaction with these.