Improving Adherence to Appointments in Postradiotherapy Surveillance Practice Through Telephone Reminders Among Breast and Prostate Cancer Patients

Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors that influence appointment adherence in postradiotherapy surveillance (PRS) and to evaluate the impact of a telephone reminder system on improving patient adherence among breast and prostate cancer patients.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to analyze data from patients scheduled for PRS within a period of 6 months. A total of 468 consecutive patients who were treated with breast or prostate irradiation were divided into two groups: those who attended their appointments and those who did not. Telephone reminders were used as interventions for nonattendees, with a first reminder (I1) followed by a second reminder (I2) in case of nonresponse. Data analysis included univariate and multivariable models to assess factors that affect adherence.

Results: Out of 468 patients, 363 patients (77.6%) initially attended their scheduled appointments. The first telephone reminder increased adherence to 92.7% (434/468 patients). A second reminder further increased the attendance rate to 94.7% (443/468 patients). Marital status was a significant factor, with single individuals having more than three times the odds of nonattendance compared to married individuals. A trend toward significance was found for cigarette smoking as a possible further factor for nonattendance. No significant difference was found between the two groups in any of the other patient-, tumor- or treatment-related characteristics.

Conclusions: Telephone reminders significantly increase appointment adherence in PRS practice, with the first reminder showing the most substantial effect. Single patients have a particularly high risk of nonparticipation, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Advances in Knowledge: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of telephone reminders as a cost-effective strategy to improve adherence in PRS surveillance practice, particularly among the high-risk groups, such as single patients.