Making it work: Breast cancer survivorship care at Johns Hopkins.

Abstract

61 Background: Breast cancer survivor numbers are increasing due to population aging and improved treatment outcomes but many of their long-term health care needs are unmet. Integrated follow-up care strategies that enhance care coordination, education, and access to survivorship resources are needed to provide patients with evidence-based care that addresses medical and psychosocial needs after cancer treatment. Methods: In 2008, we established the Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Survivorship Program with representation from the Schools of Nursing, Public Health, and Medicine to address the needs of patients completing initial cancer treatment and transitioning to long-term follow-up. Patient educational resources were created within an interactive website ( http://bit.ly/hZfzFi ) including > 35 patient/provider educational video clips, blogs and social media. Activities including provider educational events, educational folders, and trainee curriculum additions have been ongoing. Starting May 2011, Hopkins patients were offered a one-time transition visit with a nurse practitioner focusing on individualized treatment summary/survivorship care plan activities (e.g., cancer screening/surveillance, medical intervention, psychosocial support, and care coordination with non-cancer providers). Results: Our website is averaging 3,000 hits monthly. We have participated in 22 provider/trainee formal educational presentations. In the pilot phase of these transition visits (n=40), age/race breakdown of participants were representative of our breast cancer population (median age 51, range 34-69; 17% African Americans). Our post-visit survey (n=37), 97% found the survivorship visit beneficial and all reported that this one-time consultation helped with transitioning away from treatment. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary patient-centered approach to breast cancer survivorship allowed us to develop comprehensive clinical and educational service models to benefit patients and their cancer/non-cancer providers. This program aims to enhance education, overcome the fragmentation of the health care system, and improve overall health and wellness of breast cancer survivors as they transition to long-term survivorship.