Evaluation of real-world follow-up methods and their association with adherence and safety in adjuvant breast cancer therapy: a retrospective study

TL;DR

A study found that using a mini-program for follow-up care in breast cancer patients improved treatment adherence and quality of life compared to telephone or WeChat.

Contribution

The study introduces evidence that digital follow-up platforms may enhance adherence and self-management in breast cancer therapy.

Findings

Mini-program group showed higher adherence rates and better quality of life compared to telephone and WeChat groups.

All groups improved in quality of life over time, with no significant differences in adverse events.

Digital follow-up platforms like mini-programs are associated with better patient-reported outcomes.

Abstract

To compare the associations between different follow-up management methods—telephone, WeChat, and mini-program—and treatment compliance, safety, quality of life, and self-management in breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant therapy.

This retrospective study reviewed clinical and follow-up records of patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer who underwent adjuvant therapy after radical surgery. Based on documented follow-up modes, patients were categorized into three groups: telephone, WeChat, and the “Doctor Haixin” mini-program. Key clinical indicators, including treatment adherence, quality of life, adverse events, and self-management levels, were extracted from medical records and patient-reported follow-up data collected over a 12-week period.

Patients in the mini-program group were found to have higher recorded adherence rates and better self-reported outcomes in quality of life and self-management compared with the telephone and WeChat groups. All groups showed improved quality of life over time, while adverse event rates remained comparable across groups.

Among patients retrospectively assessed, those managed via the mini-program follow-up exhibited more favorable patterns in adherence and patient-reported outcomes. These findings suggest that digital platforms may be associated with enhanced care quality in the context of breast cancer follow-up.

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