Long-term care, care needs and wellbeing of individuals after cancer in childhood or adolescence (VersKiK): study protocol of a large scale multi-methods non-interventional study
Aleshchenko, E. and Swart, E. and Spix, C. and Voigt, M. and Trocchi, P. and Langer, T. and Calaminus, G. and Baust, K. and Glogner, J. and Ihle, P. and Küpper-Nybelen, J. and Lüpkes, C. and Kloppe, T. and Horenkamp-Sonntag, D. and Meier, I. and Marschall, U. and Dröge, P. and Klein, M. and Weiss, A. and Apfelbacher, C.
BMC Health Services Research
Background: It has been shown previously that a relevant proportion of childhood cancer survivors suffers from late effects, which are often directly related to the cancer itself or its therapy, resulting in particular follow-up needs, additionally burdening healthcare systems. Being diagnosed with cancer at a vulnerable stage of development, this group of cancer survivors is at comparatively higher risk of relapse or subsequent cancer. Although national and international follow-up guidelines based on treatment modalities have been developed, their implementation seems to leave room for improvement. Additionally, they lack a sufficient consideration of the survivors' psychosocial needs, affecting their adherence to them. The aim of the VersKiK study is to provide representative information on late effects in childhood and adolescence cancer survivors in Germany. The main research objectives are: (1) to describe the state of follow-up care among survivors after a cancer diagnosis in childhood or adolescence; (2) to quantify the occurrence of late effects among this group of survivors; (3) to examine the adherence to selected audiological and cardiological follow-up guidelines and to identify factors affecting it; (4) to explore actual follow-up needs of paediatric cancer survivors; (5) to review selected follow-up guidelines with the aim to improve and expand them. Methods: VersKiK is designed as a mixed-methods non-interventional study. We will use claims data from statutory health insurance companies in combination with individually linked population-based registry data from the German Childhood Cancer Registry (GCCR). This data base will permit us to quantify diagnoses and procedures in comparison to the general population as well as the adherence to existing follow-up guidelines. Additional information will be obtained through interviews with childhood and adolescence cancer survivors and their informal caregivers, as well as in focus groups with healthcare professionals.
sep / 2022
article
1176
VersKiK
Versorgung, Versorgungsbedarf und Versorgungsbedürfnisse von Personen nach einer Krebserkrankung im Kindes- oder Jugendalter
Versorgung, Versorgungsbedarf und Versorgungsbedürfnisse von Personen nach einer Krebserkrankung im Kindes- oder Jugendalter
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