This study aims to assess the feasibility of a shared-care model for low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients, primary care practitioners (PCPs) and the tertiary care center utilizing a digital health-based thyroid cancer assessment reminder system (TCARS) in Medable with an expedited referral to specialists for rapid assessment in case of a concern of recurrence.
Low risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is being increasingly diagnosed and although its overall survival is excellent, lifelong follow-up is needed due to the risk of ongoing health challenges and the cancer recurring. While it is not feasible to follow this growing number of patients in specialist centers due to limited resources, recent studies have suggested that simply discharging them to their PCP is not ideal because many PCPs do not feel confident in managing various aspects of DTC. More importantly, a large number of patients in Nova Scotia do not have regular access to PCPs and are thus followed by walk-in clinics or nurse practitioners.The optimal approach would therefore be, to establish a shared care follow-up model including participation from patients, primary care practitioners (PCPs) and specialists. In this study, the feasibility of a shared care follow-up strategy involving patients, PCPs and specialists that uses an automated reminder system will be tested. This strategy will be compared to standard specialist only follow-up. The study population comprises 60 low risk adult DTC patients who will be randomly allocated to either Shared-care or Control group on a 1:1 basis (30 patients each). The main objectives of this study is to: 1. Develop a digital health-based thyroid cancer assessment reminder system alerting patients and PCPs of patients' forthcoming appointment and guidelines. 2. Establish an expedited referral pathway to tertiary care for rapid assessment of patients discharged to PCPs in case of a risk of recurrence. 3. Identify the feasibility of the Shared-care model. 4. Compare the completion of the clinical assessments between Shared-care and Control Groups. 5. Compare patient and provider satisfaction and acceptability between Shared-care and Control Groups. 6. Compare PCP confidence in dealing with DTC before and after study completion.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
A Shared care follow-up strategy involving patients, PCPs and specialists that uses an automated reminder system (TCARS).
Nova Scotia Health
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
RECRUITINGFeasibility outcomes
These outcomes will assess the feasibility of the pilot study. These include: * Number (%) of eligible patients who are approached for the study and agree to participate in either group. * Number (%) of eligible patients who are are approached for the study but refuse to participate in either group and reason for refusal. * Number (%) of patients who remain in the shared-care group at study end. * Number of patients who choose to terminate the study in either group and reason for termination. * Number of patients who lost their PCP and returned to specialist care.
Time frame: after up to 24 months (after the 2nd Follow-up)
DTC shared-care outcomes
These outcomes will be measured to compare shared-care vs control DTC patients during the study duration and prospectively entered into a computerized DTC outcome registry of all study patients to follow their progress. This will be separate from TCARS, which will contain no clinical information.This information will be entered by the study coordinator. These include: * Number (%) of patients having annual TG/anti-TG AB. * Number (%) of patients having annual neck ultrasound. * Number (%) of patients with TSH test every 6 months. * Number (%) of patients with TSH within target range and if outside target, whether thyroxine dose was adjusted and TSH rechecked. * Number (%) of patients with abnormal findings on neck ultrasound or TG/anti-TG AB test. * Number (%) of patients who were referred back to ITOC using the expedited referral sheet and reason for referral.
Time frame: after up to 24 months (after the 2nd Follow-up)
Patient satisfaction outcomes
Patient satisfaction will be assessed in both groups using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short form (PSQ -18). The PSQ-18 is a Likert scale questionnaire, consisting of 18 items tapping each of the seven dimensions of satisfaction with medical care. These are 1) general satisfaction, 2) technical quality, 3) interpersonal manner, 4) communication, 5) financial aspects, 6) time spent with doctor, and 7) accessibility and convenience.
Time frame: after up to 5 months (after 1st follow-up) and after up to 24 months (after 2nd follow-up)
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Patient and provider acceptability and experience outcomes
Patient and provider satisfaction, acceptability and experience will be assessed through qualitative data gathered by provider (Specialist and PCP) interviews (n=8) and patient focus groups (n=12-16; 2 groups of 6-8 participants each).
Time frame: after up to 24 months (after 2nd Follow-up)
PCP confidence in DTC management outcomes
PCP involvement and confidence in DTC management outcomes will be based on previously published surveys. The survey is based on the National Cancer Institute Survey of Physician Attitudes Regarding the Care of Cancer Survivors which was modified for thyroid cancer. In addition to the standard survey items, PCPs will be asked to report how confident they are in discussing key aspects of follow-up care with thyroid cancer survivors including: * Role of serum hsTG and anti-TG AB in long term surveillance. * Role of neck US in long term surveillance. * When to end long term surveillance. * When to refer back to specialist. All responses will be on a 5-point Likert type not at all confident to very confident.
Time frame: after up to 5 months (after 1st follow-up) and after up to 24 months (after 2nd follow-up)