Aim:
This study aimed to establish consensus-based quality criteria for cancer survivorship care, to inform the development of a Victorian framework to measure the quality of survivorship care.
Methods:
A two-round online modified reactive Delphi survey was conducted via REDCap. An expert group of consumers, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, quality and accreditation staff participated. Survey items were based on a review of international literature and considered three domains with (1) policy and (2) organisational factors, and (3) outcome measures. In round 1 (R1), experts ranked each item’s importance using a five-point scale. Items were retained if scored 4 or 5 by >75%, removed if <50%, and reviewed if 51-74%. Respondents could comment on items and suggest additions. In round 2 (R2), experts prioritised and ranked 10 items per domain.
Results:
Response rates were 79% (70/89) and 84% (76/91) for R1 and R2. R1 included 68 items across the three domains. Six items were removed after R1 and six items added. From R2, in the policy domain prioritised items included having a policy: describing a framework for the provision of survivorship care; requiring establishment or existence of a survivorship program onsite or by referral; outlining the team of multidisciplinary health professionals in the program. Organisational domain: have a process to ensure survivors are stratified to appropriate models of care based on factors such as current needs and predicted risks; assessed for risk of recurrent or new cancer, and for physical effects following treatment. Prioritised outcome measures: report survivors’ patient-reported outcomes, survival rates and survivors’ quality of life.
Conclusions:
This data is likely broadly applicable. A third stage will consider how to use the data to inform next steps for Victorian healthcare services. This stage will consider priority items, feasibility of data collection, and necessary supports. Results will be available late September.