2778 - Impact of Survivorship Care Plans (SCPs) on Patients Perceptions of Information Provided from Diagnosis to Follow-Up in Breast Cancer Patients Treated at a Rural Community Cancer Center

P. Bordelon¹, K. Hess¹, M. Darwin¹, and P. H. Hardenbergh²; ¹Vail Health Shaw Cancer Center, Edwards, CO, ²Shaw Regional Cancer Center; Medical Director of Radiation Oncology, Edwards, CO

Purpose/Objective(s): The objective of this study was to determine breast cancer patients’ perceptions of information provided from their oncology providers after the completion of adjuvant treatment for breast cancer. It was hypothesized that breast cancer patients who received a SCP would report a significantly better understanding of their diagnosis, treatment and management of their follow-up care compared with those who did not receive an SCP. Materials/

Methods: Breast cancer patients treated at a rural community cancer center between 2015 and 2020 were screened for inclusion in the study. A convenience sample of patients who met the eligibility criteria and who consented to participate in the survey was taken until a total sample size of 60 (30 who received a SCP and 30 who did not) was reached. Accrual completion was delayed due to the COVID epidemic. Participants were provided with the Patient Continuity of Care Questionnaire (PCCQ) and asked to complete the questionnaire to the best of their ability. The PCCQ was chosen for its validity and reliability in measuring six patient satisfaction domains: 1. Patient relationship in the facility, 2. Information provided to the patient, 3. Facility relationship with the community, 4. Management of written forms, 5. Management of follow-up, and 6. Management of communication between providers. T-tests were performed to test for a statistically significant difference between the mean (based on a Likert scale from 1-4, with 1 being strongly agree with the statement) for each question between the two groups.
Results: Breast cancer patients who received a SCP reported that they were more informed about follow-up appointments (p<.05), non-urgent symptoms (p<.05), their diagnosis and treatment (p<.10), and more satisfied with the communication with their care providers (p<.10) than breast cancer patients who did not receive a SCP.
Conclusion: In conclusion, this study confirms that SCPs do have a significant impact on breast cancer patients’ understanding of the information they receive from their oncology providers; specifically, by informing them on many aspects of their care and follow-up. Future studies could address whether the information they provide is valued by the patient’s nononcologic clinical care providers as well.