Group medical consultations in the follow-up of breast cancer: a randomized feasibility study.

PURPOSE

Group medical consultations (GMCs) provide individual medical visits conducted within a group of four to eight peer patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of GMCs in the follow-up of breast cancer.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 38 patients participated in a single GMC (intervention group), while the control group (n = 31) received individual outpatient visits. Feasibility is measured in terms of acceptability, demand, practicability and costs, integration and implementation, and efficacy. Between-group differences on the efficacy outcomes distress (SCL-90) and empowerment (CEQ), 1 week and 3 months after the visit, were analyzed using ANCOVAs.

RESULTS

GMCs scored high on most areas of feasibility. Patients in GMCs and individual visits were equally satisfied. Patients and professionals reported more discussed themes in GMCs, despite no between-group differences on information needs prior to the visit. Sixty-nine percent of GMC patients experienced peer support. Costs for GMCs were higher compared to individual visits. However, involving a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) instead of a medical specialist reduced costs to the level of individual CNS care. Efficacy outcomes (distress and empowerment) were equal in both groups.

CONCLUSION

GMCs in this study were feasible. Further optimization of GMCs in future (cost-)effectiveness trials is possible by increasing the frequency of GMCs, stating criteria for the type of professionals, number of patients involved, and time limits.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

BCS may benefit from GMCs by receiving more information and additional peer support. GMCs cover all aspects of follow-up and may be a good alternative for individual follow-up.