Implementation of Survivorship Care Plans (SCP) has been emphasized as a key component to improving care for cancer survivors. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of SCP receipt for survivors of genitourinary (GU) malignancy including kidney, prostate, and bladder cancer and evaluate whether receipt was associated with a measurable health benefit.
Data from the BRFSS Cancer Survivorship modules in 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017 was analyzed. The proportion of patients with bladder, kidney or prostate cancer receiving an SCP was calculated. Complex samples multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine the association of SCP receipt with sociodemographic variables and assess the relationship between SCP receipt and self-reported health status (general, physical, and mental).
SCP distribution increased from 27.5% in 2012 to 39.5% in 2017. Patients with low income, less formal education, and extremes of age were less likely to receive an SCP. Those receiving an SCP were less likely to report poor physical health (OR 0.70; CI 0.52-0.96; p=0.026). Sub-analysis showed a similar result for physical health of prostate patients (OR 0.68; CI 0.48-0.96; p=0.030) and general health of kidney patients (OR 0.37; CI 0.19-0.75; p=0.006).
Distribution of SCPs to GU malignancy survivors has increased since 2012 in response to advocacy from national organizations. Nonetheless, utilization is low and there is heterogeneity in the populations likely to receive an SCP. There is a measurable association between SCPs and improved health status, but further study is needed to determine causality.
The Journal of urology. 2020 Apr 08 [Epub ahead of print]
Joshua A Linscott, Madeline C Rutan, Paul K J Han, Moritz H Hansen, Matthew H Hayn, Stephen T Ryan, Quoc-Dien Trinh, Jesse D Sammon
Division of Urology, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine., Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Maine Medical Center, Portland, Maine., Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.