Experiences of care delivery: Endometrial cancer survivors at end of treatment

Development and validation of an individualized survivorship care plan (ISCP) for women with endometrial cancer during the transition of the end of active treatment to the cancer survivorship

“…Although the end of treatment is generally experienced as positive, a growing number of studies document the challenges of this phase in the continuum of care (Beesley et al, 2008;Jones et al, 2012). The consequences of cancer and its treatment bring physical, informational, emotional, psychological, social, practical and spiritual challenges that can compromise quality of life (Fitch, Porter, & Page, 2008;Hewitt et al, 2006;Steele & Fitch, 2008).…”

“…Studies suggest that WEC do not feel prepared for the post-treatment and cancer survivorship phase (Jones et al, 2012;Nicolaije et al, 2012). Many of these survivors' needs (physical, informational, psychological and social) go unmet (Beesley et al, 2008;Nicolaije et al, 2012;Steele & Fitch, 2008).…”

“…Many of these survivors' needs (physical, informational, psychological and social) go unmet (Beesley et al, 2008;Nicolaije et al, 2012;Steele & Fitch, 2008). Physical needs and long-lasting and late side effects are reported (Abbott-Anderson & Kwekkeboom, 2012;Jones et al, 2012;Vaz et al, 2011;Vollrath, Zenger, Singer, Einenkel & Hinz, 2013). Wu and Harden (2015) describe the difficulty of managing physical symptoms, like fatigue, pain, sleep troubles and cognitive problems.…”

“…Moreover, gynecological cancer survivors describe the difficulty of accessing information and resources, as well as the difficulty of communicating with their healthcare professionals (Jones et al, 2012;Nicolaije et al, 2012).…”

“…In fact, studies show that the management of symptoms and survivor support in this phase are fragmented and poorly coordinated (Jefford et al, 2011;Sprague et al, 2013). Access to information on the post-treatment period (Jones et al, 2012;Beckjord et al, 2008) and maintaining support services through this phase of the care trajectory (Jones et al, 2012;Marbach & Griffie, 2011) are recommended. Information and support that help meet these specific needs could prevent distress (Steele & Fitch, 2008), contribute to the empowerment of WEC and, thus, facilitate the transition process (Meleis et al, 2000).…”