Follow-up for Colon Cancer: GP vs Surgeon
Author Information
Author(s): Wattchow D A, Weller D P, Esterman A, Pilotto L S, McGorm K, Hammett Z, Platell C, Silagy C
Primary Institution: Flinders University
Hypothesis
The setting of follow-up for colon cancer patients impacts their quality of life, psychological well-being, and satisfaction with care.
Conclusion
Patients with follow-up led by general practitioners or surgeons experience similar outcomes in quality of life and satisfaction.
Supporting Evidence
- Quality of life scores showed no significant differences between GP-led and surgeon-led follow-up.
- Patients in both groups reported high levels of satisfaction with their care.
- General practitioners ordered more FOBTs than surgeons, while surgeons performed more colonoscopies and ultrasounds.
Takeaway
This study looked at how colon cancer patients are followed up after treatment, finding that it doesn't matter if their check-ups are done by their family doctor or a surgeon; both groups do equally well.
Methodology
A multicentre, randomised controlled trial comparing GP-led and surgeon-led follow-up in colon cancer patients.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-completion questionnaires and case-note audits.
Limitations
The study was not powered to detect differences in recurrence and mortality rates, and there was a degree of crossover between follow-up groups.
Participant Demographics
Participants were mostly from South Australia, with a gender distribution of 57.6% male and 42.4% female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.88 at 12 months; P=0.28 at 24 months for quality of life.
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.4–4.4 for FOBT rate ratio.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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