Introduction
The number of people successfully treated for early-stage lung cancer is increasing. Follow up is generally medical-led, with major focus on surveillance for recurrence and late effects. Nurse-led models are acceptable, safe, and potentially cost saving. To inform the development and implementation of a lung cancer nurse-led survivorship clinic, semi-structured interviews with survivors were conducted. Interviews aimed to identify unmet needs with current care, determine the most valued aspects of survivorship care, and assess preferences for the clinic.
Method
Eligible participants had lung cancer treated at a tertiary cancer centre with curative intent (surgical resection, stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), chemotherapy/radiotherapy +/- immunotherapy). Participants were identified by lung specialist nurses. A nurse investigator confirmed eligibility, obtained consent, and undertook semi-structured telephone interviews. Responses were entered into REDCap. Quantitative data was analysed by descriptive analysis and qualitative data by inductive thematic analysis, independently coded and themed by two researchers.
Results
Twenty participants (n=3 treated with surgery, n=12 SABR, n=5 chemotherapy/radiotherapy); 70% (n=14) female and 30% (n=6) male; age range 55-87.
All reported unmet needs. Most commonly not knowing which symptoms require medical check-up, managing physical and emotional symptoms or side effects and family/carer needs.
The three most valued aspects of survivorship care were cancer and symptom monitoring, receiving a survivorship care plan and side effect monitoring.
Participants expressed support for the proposed clinic. Six themes emerged regarding preferences:
Conclusion
Survivors report unmet needs with the current medical-led model of care, and value more comprehensive survivorship care. Preferences for survivorship care and the proposed nurse-led model will inform the development and implementation of the clinic.