Predictors of clinic satisfaction among adult survivors of childhood cancer

Childhood cancer survivors experience a wide range of late-effects. As survival rates improve, follow-up in paediatric clinics becomes less feasible, and alternative models of care have been proposed. In this study, satisfaction among those attending a traditional paediatric late-effects clinic was compared with a multi-disciplinary clinic in an adult setting. Survivors (adult clinic n = 93, paediatric clinic n = 105, age 16-39 years) completed measures of symptoms, understanding of vulnerability to late-effects, purpose of follow-up, satisfaction and number of topics discussed. Predictors of satisfaction were: number of topics discussed, greater understanding of the purpose of follow-up and sex. Females, and those reporting longer waiting time were less satisfied. Aspects of clinic Organisation, including shorter waiting times and opportunities to discuss health concerns, are more important in determining patient satisfaction than clinic type. Survivors' understanding of the purpose of follow-up is also integral in determining satisfaction. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.