Abstract
PURPOSE: Group medical consultations (GMCs) provide individual medical visits conducted within a group of four to eight peer patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of GMCs in the follow-up of breast cancer. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 38 patients participated in a single GMC (intervention group), while the control group (n = 31) received individual outpatient visits. Feasibility is measured in terms of acceptability, demand, practicability and costs, integration and implementation, and efficacy. Between-group differences on the efficacy outcomes distress (SCL-90) and empowerment (CEQ), 1 week and 3 months after the visit, were analyzed using ANCOVAs. RESULTS: GMCs scored high on most areas of feasibility. Patients in GMCs and individual visits were equally satisfied. Patients and professionals reported more discussed themes in GMCs, despite no between-group differences on information needs prior to the visit. Sixty-nine percent of GMC patients experienced peer support. Costs for GMCs were higher compared to individual visits. However, involving a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) instead of a medical specialist reduced costs to the level of individual CNS care. Efficacy outcomes (distress and empowerment) were equal in both groups. CONCLUSION: GMCs in this study were feasible. Further optimization of GMCs in future (cost-)effectiveness trials is possible by increasing the frequency of GMCs, stating criteria for the type of professionals, number of patients involved, and time limits. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: BCS may benefit from GMCs by receiving more information and additional peer support. GMCs cover all aspects of follow-up and may be a good alternative for individual follow-up.
