Time required to assess children for the late effects of treatment

Abstract

Late effects studies entail time and effort both in patient assessment and data recording; however, the actual increase in workload is unknown. The primary objective of this study was to determine the difference in time required to conduct a late effects evaluation as compared to a routine follow-up evaluation. There were no significant differences between the two groups studied in length of time required for the physical examination and routine chart completion; however, when the total time needed included use of the late effects data capture form, a statistically significant difference between the means was found, with the late effects group requiring an average of 52.00 min of provider time, whereas the routine examination group required an average of 36.74 min of provider time, a difference of 14 min per visit. This study documents the need for additional time for only one aspect of patient care—periodic assessment. Further studies to document the additional time required in order to provide support and to educate patients and families and the community about the late effects of the treatment for cancer in childhood are required.