SURVIVORSHIP PLANNING IN LATINAS WITH CERVICAL CANCER

A survivorship care plan (SCP) utilizing a survivorship planning tool (SPT) can improve the quality of care of cancer survivors as they move beyond their cancer treatment by helping restore a sense of power and control and promoting adherence with recommended treatment. Because SCPs are essential for cancer survivors’ wellbeing, the aim of this project was to develop a SPT specifically for Latinas with cervical cancer seen in a Gynecology-Oncology clinic setting. This project involved four professionals who served on a content expert review panel (ERP) and 10 Latina participants who composed the Latina review panel (LRP). The panel members engaged in a collaborative and iterative review and feedback process in reviewing draft copies of a proposed SPT. An additional panel of five expert healthcare providers and five Latinas participated in a survey that evaluated the final SPT for understandability, readability, inclusiveness, practicality, and usability using a 5-point Likert scale system (5 being highest). The ERP mean scores for the SPT ranged from a high of 4.8 for inclusiveness to scores of 4.2 for both understandability and readability, 3.8 for practicality, and 3.6 for usability (easy to complete). The LRP understandability and readability mean scores were 4.8 each, 5.0 for inclusiveness, and 4.0 for both practicality and usability. Both groups expressed concerns about limited time available during clinical visits to complete the SPT as well as responsibility for its upkeep. Reassurance was provided regarding the joint and collaborative process that would be undertaken with both the healthcare providers’ team and survivors to complete the SPT. iv In conclusion, healthcare providers play a pivotal role in improving health outcomes and quality of life for cancer survivors. Members of the healthcare team must be cognizant of the importance of cancer survivors having individualized SCPs and readily guide them in acquiring and maintaining a SPT.