Survivorship Care Plans

A Survivorship Care Plan is an individualized plan that provides you with a summary of your cancer treatments and puts forth a plan for you after treatment. The plan and summary can range in complexity from a lengthy, medical document to a one-page summary. While you may be excited to finish treatment and put the experience behind you, it is important to have a record of your treatments and a path to follow as your move forward after treatment.

The Institute of Medicine recommends that all patients completing primary treatment should be provided with a comprehensive care summary and a follow-up plan that are clearly and effectively explained. The plan will inform you and your health care providers of the long-term effects of prostate cancer and its treatment, identify support resources in the community, and provide guidance on follow-up care, prevention, and health maintenance.
 

Key elements of a survivorship plan

Record of care

This is a record of important characteristics about your prostate cancer, treatment, side effects, and resources used.

• Diagnosis, tests performed, tumor and disease characteristics
• Dates of treatment initiation and completion
• Supportive care services provided, such as emotional support, nutrition guidance, etc.
• Contact information for the primary treating physician, the practice/institution, and key providers
• Additional point of contact for coordination of follow-up care

Standards of care

This is a recommendation for follow-up testing and care based on standards of medical care.

• Course of recovery from treatment
• Recommended follow-up tests and examinations and schedule for these
• Information about immediate and long-term side effects of the treatment
• Possible signs of recurrence and second tumors
• Information about the impact on personal relationships, finances, employment, etc.
• Recommendations for healthy behaviors
• Referrals to specific follow-up care providers and support