A trial of a self-assessment tool of problems following treatment of colorectal cancer: a prospective study in Australia primary care
Corresponding Author
I. Ngune MPH, BScN
Lecturer
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
Correspondence address: Irene Ngune, Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027 (e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorM. Jiwa MA, MD, MRCGP, FRACGP
Professor
Health Innovation (Chronic Diseases), Medical Education, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorA. McManus PhD, MPH, PGDip PH, BScHP (H. Biol)
Director
Centre of Excellence for Science, Seafood & Health (CoESSH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorR. Parsons BSc, MSc, PhD, PGD
Senior Lecturer/Statistician
School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorR. Hodder MBChB, MD, FRCS, FRACS
HOD, Consultant
Department of Surgery, Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
I. Ngune MPH, BScN
Lecturer
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia
Correspondence address: Irene Ngune, Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027 (e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]).Search for more papers by this authorM. Jiwa MA, MD, MRCGP, FRACGP
Professor
Health Innovation (Chronic Diseases), Medical Education, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorA. McManus PhD, MPH, PGDip PH, BScHP (H. Biol)
Director
Centre of Excellence for Science, Seafood & Health (CoESSH), Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorR. Parsons BSc, MSc, PhD, PGD
Senior Lecturer/Statistician
School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorR. Hodder MBChB, MD, FRCS, FRACS
HOD, Consultant
Department of Surgery, Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Patients treated for colorectal cancer (CRC) experience considerable physical, social and psychological morbidity. In this study, 66 participants with stages I–III CRC were enrolled in this study. Participants completed the self-assessment tool for patients (SATp) over a 5-month period and visited a general practitioner with a copy of their SATp to assist in the management of any problems associated with CRC treatment. General practitioners' notes were reviewed for management actions. Of the 66 participants, 57 visited a general practitioner over the 5-month study period. A total of 547 problems were identified (median 7; IQR: 3–12.25). Participants with physical problems were more likely to consult their general practitioner (OR: 1.84, CI: 1.05–3.21, P = 0.03) compared to those with psychological problems. The number of problems experienced by participants did not have any influence on the decision to visit a general practitioner. Psychological problems (P < 0.01) significantly reduced over the 5-month study period. Regular use of the SATp facilitates the identification of long-term CRC treatment-related problems. Some of these problems could then be addressed in primary care.
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