TABLE III.
Illustrative quotes from participating survivors, by subcategory of transition readiness
| Subcategory | Quote |
|---|---|
| Introduction of transition | They had already forewarned me. When I spoke to [my surgeon] about a month ago, he already told me what was going to happen—so, not at all a surprise. I am more than happy to be moved on to a PCP. — Interview participant 8 |
| Then suddenly you’re being transitioned out by someone who has never been a part of stuff. I think that would make people more worried. Why is this stranger telling me that I’m not coming back here anymore? — Interview participant 9 | |
| Continuity of care | I am pretty sure my family doctor has all [my information and required appointments]. The thing is, does my family doctor have the time to read this? — Interview participant 4 |
| Support from health care providers | I have concern for [cancer recurrence] for sure. I think every cancer survivor has that concern, but that’s where I say that chart with all of the symptoms to look out for and what to do when you have those symptoms and for the most part I am pretty happy with how that is dealt with because [the nurse practitioner] said if anything, contact the hospital or contact herself, in which case I will immediately. I understand that. — Interview participant 7 |
| Clarity of the timeline | [The nurse practitioner] had a plan of what needs to be done in the next 5 years, what needs to be done ongoing, what needs to be done when I turn 50, you know, things like that. — Interview participant 9 |
| I’ve had my next appointment given to me after the last one next year. Well, I don’t have that one now. So, who gives me that appointment? — Interview participant 2 | |
| Desire for a “roadmap” | Because we are not provided with a roadmap of anything. We are just told, we are handing you back to your family doctor. — Interview participant 7 |
| Relationship with the primary care physician | I just don’t know what a family physician is going to do; they’re so busy with so many patients. Another issue is “Are they going to be up on what I need?” So, I do have that concern—especially when I haven’t known this [PCP] before. — Interview participant 2 |
| Relationship with the Transition Care Clinic | Well for one thing, the nurse practitioner was very prepared. She had a whole transition plan printed out for me. And she’s going to send one to me and one to my family doctor. She went over it with me. And so, it wasn’t just like, “I’m going to take the photocopy out of the drawer, and I’m just going to take off things and write stuff.” And you know, she really ... she did ask me questions about stuff, but she also knew a lot about my situation already. And I also know that she works with [Dr. X], so she knows my principal oncologist and knows his patients’ stuff.... So that seemed really good. Also, she was just ... she was very thorough. — Interview participant 9 |
| Relationship with the oncologist | The hospital is still there for you if you need it. I mean, look at it as a good thing. Really, you no longer have to [be cared for] by the hospital, and there are other people that need that care. — Interview participant 3 |
PCP = primary care physician.