Abstract
BACKGROUND< /div>Childhood and adolescent brain tumor survivors are at risk for considerable late morbidity and mortality from their disease and the treatment they receive. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and tumor location all have the potential to impact the physical, psychological, functional and social health of these survivors. Comprehensive late effects care may mitigate these risks, but the necessary elements of this care model is unclear. We describe a quality-improvement initiative to improve the long-term follow-up (LTFU) care provided to brain tumour survivors at the McMaster Children's Hospital.
METHODS
An anonymous needs assessment circulated to health providers was used to evaluate the LTFU practices. Utilizing this feedback as well as the LTFU guidelines from the Children's Oncology Group a care plan was made for these survivors.
RESULTS
17 of 33 (52%) health care staff responded to the survey, this included 70% physicians or nurse practitioners, an d 30% nurses and allied health staff. Improvements suggested included consistent inclusion of additional care providers (i.e. social work, dietitians, endocrinology) reported by 76%, as well as a need for improved patient education and surveillance for late effects of therapy.
CONCLUSION
Treatment summaries with surveillance care plans and LTFU resources were created for all survivors of childhood brain tumours at risk of treatment-related complications. Late effects counselling with distribution of these materials is ongoing as part of this quality improvement initiative. To provide comprehensive management, a neuro-oncology specific late effects programs with multi-disciplinary support is essential for the care of brain tumour survivors.
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