Nelson Vergel
Founder, ExcelMale.com
Background: Primary care providers inevitably care for prostate cancer survivors. However, few comprehensive resources exist to aid them in providing the most up-to-date and evidence-based care. To meet this clinical need, we examined and updated the Michigan Cancer Consortium prostate cancer survivorship guidelines.
Methods: Using an expert panel and focus groups comprised of prostate cancer stakeholders, we updated the Michigan Cancer Consortium's 2009 Guidelines for the Primary Care Management of Prostate Cancer Post-Treatment Sequelae.
Results: The guideline recommendations were modified to serve as a point-of-care resource and to facilitate care transitions between specialty and primary care. The modified recommendations were approved by the Michigan Cancer Consortium and now include the following elements: (1) patient-reported symptom assessment, (2) distinctions between medical and self-management strategies for prostate cancer treatment-related side effects, (3) recommendations for involving partners in survivorship care, and (4) care coordination strategies for primary and specialty care providers. Online guidance for medical therapy and self-management resources are also provided.
Conclusions: To remedy a persistent lack of guidance to direct prostate cancer survivorship care in the primary care setting, the updated Michigan Cancer Consortium prostate cancer survivorship tools convert a static guideline into a dynamic resource to improve outcomes and support coordination among primary care providers, cancer specialists, patients, and caregivers.
Attached document
Methods: Using an expert panel and focus groups comprised of prostate cancer stakeholders, we updated the Michigan Cancer Consortium's 2009 Guidelines for the Primary Care Management of Prostate Cancer Post-Treatment Sequelae.
Results: The guideline recommendations were modified to serve as a point-of-care resource and to facilitate care transitions between specialty and primary care. The modified recommendations were approved by the Michigan Cancer Consortium and now include the following elements: (1) patient-reported symptom assessment, (2) distinctions between medical and self-management strategies for prostate cancer treatment-related side effects, (3) recommendations for involving partners in survivorship care, and (4) care coordination strategies for primary and specialty care providers. Online guidance for medical therapy and self-management resources are also provided.
Conclusions: To remedy a persistent lack of guidance to direct prostate cancer survivorship care in the primary care setting, the updated Michigan Cancer Consortium prostate cancer survivorship tools convert a static guideline into a dynamic resource to improve outcomes and support coordination among primary care providers, cancer specialists, patients, and caregivers.
Attached document
