Supporting follow-up care in colorectal cancer patients: first experiences with the Assessment of Burden of ColoRectal Cancer (ABCRC)-tool.

PURPOSE

The Assessment of Burden of ColoRectal Cancer (ABCRC)-tool is a unique tool that includes a PROM focused on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), functional outcomes and lifestyle assessment. Furthermore, it provides visualization of results and treatment advice. The tool aims to support follow-up consultations of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the first experiences of patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) with the ABCRC-tool.

METHODS

The ABCRC-tool was implemented in two Dutch hospitals and used by 25 patients and 5 HCPs during follow-up care. Consultations were audio-recorded and their content was analyzed independently by two researchers. Semi-structured interviews with patients and HCPs were conducted after the consultation. Interviews focused on the overall experience with the tool, ease of use, interpretation of the PROM and the visualized results and on the added value of the tool.

RESULTS

Audio recording revealed that multiple topics, relevant to patients, were discussed during consultations with the ABCRC-tool. Patients and HCPs appreciated the ABCRC-tool as it added structure to the consultation, was helpful in the preparation of consultations and provided useful and convenient treatment options. The tool was easy to use, and the visualization was clear and informative. HCPs suggested that the tool is likely to be most relevant for patients in the first year of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

This study implies that the ABCRC-tool is of added value for patients and their HCPs. Future research should focus on the evaluation of broad implementation, across a wide range of CRC patients.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

The ABCRC-tool is a valid tool to support CRC survivors and HCPs to monitor and visualize experienced burden of disease and lifestyle parameters in order to optimize personalized care.