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Abstract
Though cure from cancer is not guaranteed, children's chances of survival have increased
significantly. As a result the paediatric oncology community is focused on providing
appropriate follow-up care to an increasing number of young cancer survivors. How
this care should be designed and delivered however remains the centre of ongoing discussion
and was the focus of this review. The aims of the review were to (1) gain an understanding
of current follow-up practices from studies involving health care professionals, (2)
identify and evaluate studies presenting views of survivors, (3) examine commentaries
on both the current and future design of long-term follow-up services and (4) evaluate
existing follow-up guidelines. Empirical research, commentary papers and published
guidelines were reviewed. Twenty-eight papers and five guidelines were analysed. Empirical
papers were examined in relation to sample, design, findings and limitations. Commentary
papers were assessed in relation to key issues about follow-up care. Guidelines were
assessed on how far they were evidence-based, peer-reviewed and involved users in
their development. Varying models of care were illustrated, and were dependent upon
personnel and centre orientation. Variability in the level and degree to which long-term
survivors were followed up was also reported. Inconsistencies in practice were noted.
Nonetheless requirements for an effective service were highlighted in the majority
of publications, these included communication and information. Although young people
and professionals had a shared view on many aspects of follow-up care, these preferences
were not consistently mirrored in service provision.