Professionals' opinion on follow-up in @entity0 XXXX ; perceived purpose and influence of @entity1 ' risk factors.

@entity5 @entity1 @entity0 @entity3
AIM: To provide insight into professionals' opinions on @entity0 follow-up to facilitate implementation of new follow-up strategies. The study focuses on current practice, purpose and perceived effects, and preferred frequency and duration of follow-up. DESIGN: A 29-item questionnaire on professionals' demographics, current practice, opinion on the current guideline, preferences in frequency and duration of tailored follow-up, and the purpose and perceived effects of follow-up was sent to 633 Dutch professionals. RESULTS: The current national guideline is followed by 81% of respondents. All different specialists are involved in follow-up. Sixty-nine percent of respondents' report nurse practitioners to be involved in follow-up. When asked for tailored follow-up, professionals indicate more factors for increased follow-up (age<40 years, pT3-4 @entity5 , pN2-3, treatment related morbidity, and psychosocial support), than for reduced schedules (age >70 years and DCIS histology). Alternative forms of follow-up are not endorsed by >90% of respondents. Detection of a new primary @entity5 of the breast is considered the most important purpose of follow-up (98%), 57% still indicates detecting @entity3 as a goal. CONCLUSIONS: Professionals tend towards longer and more intensive follow-up than the current guideline for a large group of @entity1 . Limitations and developments in follow-up need to be considered to facilitate alternative follow-up strategies.
