The Trust has implemented PCFU (also known as patient stratified follow up – PSFU), with the colorectal cancer specialty.
Breast, prostate and endometrial cancer specialties will follow in the coming months. We will inform you as each implements PCFU.
PCFU is an effective way of transforming the traditional face-to-face, hospital based follow-up model to suit the needs of individual patient after cancer treatment and putting patients more in control of their recovery.
PCFU eligible patients who complete their primary treatment (within the four cancer specialities at the Trust – colorectal, breast, prostate and endometrial) will be offered:
- Information about signs and symptoms, which could suggest their cancer has recurred or progressed, or which may be the side-effects of treatment
- Verbal and written guidelines on who to contact if they have concerns in the future, aligning with a system that allows rapid re-entry into the specialist cancer service as and when required
- Regular surveillance scans or tests (depending on cancer type), with quicker and easier access to results so that any anxiety is kept to a minimum
- Effective needs assessment at the point of diagnosis and end of treatment that identifies and addresses any outstanding needs and ensures the patient has knowledge and confidence to self-manage. This will incorporate a holistic needs assessment and care plan, treatment summary and health and well-being events to improve outcomes and co-ordination of care
As a reminder the table below outlines the length of the PCFU:
| Cancer specialty | Length of PCFU |
| Colorectal | 5 Years |
Page last updated: 08 August 2023
