Esther M. Vermaas

Patient Voices: What Can We Learn From the Covid‐19 Pandemic About Follow‐Up Care in Gynaecologic Oncology?

ABSTRACT Purpose To explore women's experiences with follow‐up care after gynaecological cancer during the Covid‐19 pandemic and identify key elements of aftercare from their perspective. Methods A qualitative study was performed, including five focus group discussions and two individual interviews with 20 participants diagnosed with ovarian ( n  = 5), cervical ( n  = 6), endometrial ( n  = 5) or vulvar cancer ( n  = 4) who received follow‐up care during the Covid‐19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis, guided by the framework of the Picker Principles of Patient‐Centred Care. Results Five themes were generated: (1) continuity of care, (2) absence of family members and carers, (3) meeting my needs, (4) managing my needs and (5) the cancer survivor narrative. The main changes experienced during the Covid‐19 pandemic were the introduction to remote healthcare and the absence of family members. An interconnection between themes was found, highlighting that providing a designated, always accessible contact person can be a catalyst for the improvement of information provision and healthcare guidance. Conclusions In conclusion, this study highlights the need for personalised and patient‐centred follow‐up that promotes patient empowerment, and how this can be provided by a designated contact person. Findings emphasise the importance of tailored support, involvement of family members, addressing information gaps, and overcoming barriers to self‐management. Lastly, the findings provide direction on how to approach follow‐up care in the future. Patient Contribution This study was done in close collaboration with the patient advocacy group Olijf; their significant input in both the design and conduct of the study is invaluable. Olijf's involvement ensured that the research remained patient‐centred and aligned with the real‐life concerns and priorities of those affected by gynaecological cancers. The participants in this study, all of whom are gynaecological cancer survivors, played an important role by sharing their experiences, and we extend our gratitude to them. Their insights were critical in shaping the findings of this research.

Patients’ and medical specialists’ attitudes on follow-up care and climate impact in gynaecological oncology: a nationwide survey

With rising healthcare costs, workforce shortages and concerns about healthcare's climate impact, sustainable alternatives to traditional outpatient follow-up schedules are needed to optimize care efficiency. Understanding attitudes of patient and medical specialists is essential when redesigning follow-up care. This study explores their attitudes towards alternative follow-up approaches in gynaecological cancer care and their willingness to consider sustainability in care decisions. A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted using two self-developed surveys - one for patients and one for medical specialists. The surveys assessed experiences with current follow-up, openness to alternative approaches, and views on healthcare's impact on climate change, both generally and in gynaecologic oncology follow-up care. A total of 121 respondents filled out the surveys, comprising 68 patients and 53 medical specialists. Only four out of 53 medical specialists (8%) were satisfied with current follow-up practices. 87% of 68 patients supported at least one alternative follow-up approach, including reduced follow-up frequency, telemedicine, or involving nurses or general practitioners, although 60% preferred not to reduce the number of consultations. Although many patients expressed reluctance to reducing consultations, medical specialists perceived potential benefits, including more patient-friendly care, reduced costs, lower workload and environmental benefits. Healthcare's climate impact ranked high among medical specialists' priorities, whereas patients did not consider it a major factor for modifying follow-up practices. Both patients and medical specialists in gynaecological oncology are open to alternative approaches to follow-up care, although there is a discrepancy in their attitudes. Medical specialists express greater climate concerns, whereas patients responses indicate a need for individualized care. This study highlights the importance of re-designing follow-up care to meet patient's, healthcare system's, and our planet's needs.