Aims
The Australian Optimal Care Pathways recommend that survivors and general practitioners be provided with a survivorship care plan (SCP) after treatment completion, however implementation has been limited. We developed a database of key SCP components for survivors of early-stage breast, colorectal or prostate cancer. Development was guided by a steering committee comprising survivor, medical and nursing representatives (oncology and community-based), and three similarly constituted reference groups, one for each cancer type. This evaluation aimed to assess use of the database and areas for refinement/further development.
Methods
The SCP database was advertised from May 2018. Dissemination is ongoing; data presented are current to October 23 2018. Interested users applied for database access via an online form that also collected institutional information and data regarding intended use of the database. User feedback was collected via an online survey sent at two months.
Results
A total of 99 individuals requested database copies; majority were from Victoria (72%) and New South Wales (12%). Most requested all cancer types (37%) or the breast database only (31%), and 72% indicated intent to use the SCP database clinically. Of 81 users sent the follow-up survey, 19 responded (response rate 23%). At two months, 79% (15/19) were not using the SCP database, although 100% indicated that the user guide was helpful. User feedback revealed praise for database content, intention to use or share with colleagues, and limitations of the format (Microsoft Excel), particularly limited functionality. Reasons for not using the SCP database included the need for a more ‘user-friendly’ design, limited time, and need for further education and support. Most respondents (67%; 12/18) indicated interest in a web-based SCP generator.
Conclusions
Development of a web-based interface for the SCP database is expected to maximise use of the content. This is due to be completed in March 2019.