Abstracts; ENDCAT: Endometrial Cancer Telephone follow-up trial

Abstract

The National Cancer Survivor-ship Initiative (NCSI) calls for alternative strategies to follow-up care following completion of cancer treatment. Currently, patients are followed up in hospital outpatient clinics with few opportunities to discuss physical, psychological or social needs. In previous studies we demonstrated that specialist nurses (breast and colorectal) can provide a quality follow-up service by telephoning people at home instead of bringing patients back to busy hospital clinics. In this study we evaluate if this approach is effective for women diagnosed with endometrial cancer. AIMS: To demonstrate that gynaecology oncology specialist nurses have the skills and expertise to meet the information needs and concerns of
women treated for endometrial cancer, with no physical or psychological detriment. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial comparing hospital (control) and telephone (intervention) follow-up for women treated for endometrial cancer. The trial is designed to assess non-inferiority in terms of effectiveness (for psychological morbidity, clinical outcomes and quality of life) but superiority in terms of patient satisfaction (with information and service) and efficiency. The intervention includes questions on physical, psychological and social aspects
of care with a specific focus on signs of recurrence (bleeding, unusual discharge, unusual aches and pains). RESULTS: To date we have recruited 128 participants. Recruitment will continue until December 2013 to meet our recruitment target of 257 women. Telephone clinics have commenced, conducted by gynaecology oncology specialist
nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Recruitment targets are being met and telephone follow-up can be incorporated within existing resources.