ArticleSupportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer2026
Predictors of loss to follow-up after radiotherapy in cancer patients.
Article in Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
introductionLoss to follow-up after radiotherapy presents a critical challenge in cancer care, undermining treatment effectiveness and efficient use of healthcare resources. Understanding predictors of follow-up non-adherence in the Thai context is essential to improving patient outcomes. RESEARCH
objectiveThis study aimed to determine the rate, underlying causes, and predictive factors associated with loss to follow-up appointments among cancer patients after completing radiotherapy.
methodsA predictive correlational design was employed with 294 cancer patients who had completed radiotherapy and were scheduled for follow-up appointments. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires, medical record reviews, and telephone interviews for patients who missed appointments. Research instruments included a personal and clinical data form, a radiotherapy service quality assessment based on the SERVQUAL model, and a researcher-developed questionnaire assessing knowledge of follow-up care. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Spearman's correlation, and multiple logistic regression.
resultsThe loss to follow-up rate was 20%. The most common reasons were forgetting appointments (38%), feeling unwell or bedridden (21%), and hospitalization (13%). Multivariate analysis identified two significant predictors: distance from residence to hospital (OR = 1.011, 95% CI 1.003-1.018, p = 0.007) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (OR = 1.973, 95% CI 1.355-2.871, p < 0.001).
conclusionDistance to hospital and poorer physical performance status are key predictors of loss to follow-up. Interventions such as telemedicine, multi-channel reminder systems, and case management for high-risk patients are recommended to strengthen continuity of care and reduce missed appointments.
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