Developing a Patient-Centered Model of Prostate Cancer Care: Patient Satisfaction With a Survivorship Program Embedded in Urologic-Oncologic Care

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate patients’ and partners’ satisfaction with a prostate cancer survivorship program embedded in urologic-oncologic care. As a part of quality improvement activity, we developed a patient and partner-centered, biopsychosocial support program for men and partners coping with the urinary and sexual side-effects of surgical treatment for prostate cancer. The program became a part of usual care for all prostate cancer patients. MethodsPatients who saw both an advanced practice provider and a sex therapist between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019 were eligible. Surveys packets were sent to 146 patients with surveys included for partners (N = 292). We used descriptive statistics to characterize participant responses. ResultsResponses were received from 88 patients and 70 partners (56% response rate for the group). Patients and partners reported very high or fairly high satisfaction with the rehabilitation activities of the program (86-97% and 90%-100%, respectively); 91% of patients and 84% of partners thought having pre-operative education and post-operative rehabilitation was a good or fairly good idea; 83% of patients and 79% of partners would very much or somewhat recommend the program to a friend who was considering surgical treatment for prostate cancer. ConclusionEmbedding a patient and partner-centered prostate cancer survivorship support program in oncologic care can positively impact patients’ and partners’ engagement in and satisfaction with post-operative rehabilitation.