Table 5. Rates of therapeutic options in QoL pathway group compared with those in the control group.

	Rates of therapeutic options in each group (n=92–99)
	3 months		6 months
	QoL pathway	Control	QoL pathway	Control
Any QoL therapy given?	42	35	35	39
Coping strategies and counselling	21	12*	19	10
Psychotherapy	10	1**	3	3
Physiotherapy	18	25	16	30***

Abbreviation: QoL=quality of life.

Comparison of two time intervals (3 and 6 months) and the most important QoL dimensions (global QoL, emotion and arm symptoms).

Source: Interview of coordinating practitioners by study coordinator 4 weeks after sending the expert report in the QoL pathway group or letter without information for control group patient (for details see Klinkhammer-Schalke et al (2008a)).

χ²-test ^*P<0.055; ^**P<0.050; ^***P<0.020.