Patient Perceptions of Survivorship Care Plans: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation

Purpose: To understand the perceptions of patients with cancer regarding the role and purpose of a survivorship care plan (SCP) to inform content and delivery opportunities.

Participants & Setting: A mixed-methods evaluation was conducted among patients at a survivorship clinic for high-risk survivors of sarcomas in an academic medical center.

Methodologic Approach: An electronic survey was administered, followed by qualitative telephone interviews.

Findings: 51 surveys were delivered, and 23 surveys were completed. Eight telephone interviews were completed. Content analysis revealed that participants value the SCP as a health management tool to address information needs and reduce fear of recurrence. Few participants shared their SCP with other healthcare providers.

Implications for Nursing: Patients use their SCP as a health management tool to understand the details of their cancer history and treatment and to manage their health concerns. Nurses who care for patients with cancer are well positioned to use the SCP as a patient education tool.