JCO Oncol Pract. 2025 Feb 20:OP2400815. doi: 10.1200/OP-24-00815. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We evaluated a survivorship program Engage, aimed at improving childhood cancer survivors’ health-related self-efficacy and their health-related quality of life (HRQoL).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Engage provides (1) a telehealth nurse-led health assessment, (2) a remote multidisciplinary case review, (3) personalized recommendations and care plan for survivors and their primary care physician (PCP), and (4) a telehealth nurse-led consultation to promote survivors’ understanding of the recommendations. We recruited survivors >5 years postdiagnosis of any age who had not received cancer-related care in the past 24 months. We assessed survivors’ outcomes pre-intervention and at 1-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups.
RESULTS: Seventy-eight survivors participated: 62% male, median age = 30 years, and 14% lived regionally/rurally. Participating survivors’ self-efficacy scores improved from baseline to 1 month and were maintained at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups (P < .001). Survivors’ HRQoL remained similar from baseline to postintervention, as did the proportion of survivors reporting a regular PCP or engaging in health/risky behaviors (eg, exercise). Survivors’ distress, anxiety, and anger significantly decreased pre- to 6 months postintervention. Survivors’ satisfaction with care increased by 28% (P < .001) and was maintained across follow-up (P = .002). Information needs reduced from baseline to 1 month postintervention (P = .023) although they were similar at further follow-up.
CONCLUSION: Survivors’ self-efficacy, satisfaction with care, and some psychosocial outcomes improved after participating in Engage. Further effort is needed to improve survivors’ primary care engagement and health behaviors.
PMID:39977713 | DOI:10.1200/OP-24-00815
