• Veronica Q Lin, Paul Riviere, James D Murphy, and Andrew R Bruggeman.
• University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA.
• J Pain Symptom Manage. 2023 Sep 1; 66 (3): 238241238-241.

ContextThere is no current standard-of-care follow-up strategy for patients who receive palliative radiotherapy (PRT) for bone metastases. Within our institution there is currently a heterogenous practice in which some providers schedule routine follow up 1-3 months after initial PRT while others do follow up only as needed (PRN).ObjectivesOur study aims to compare rates of retreatment based on follow-up strategies (planned vs. PRN), explore factors that potentially affect retreatment, and evaluate whether provider follow-up strategy correlates with measurable differences in quality of care.MethodsIn a retrospective chart review, PRT courses for bone metastases at our single institution were divided by follow-up strategies (planned vs. PRN). Demographic, clinical, and PRT data were collected and analyzed via descriptive statistics. The relationship between planned follow-up appointment and subsequent retreatment was studied.ResultsMore patients received retreatment within one year of initial PRT in the planned follow-up group than in the PRN follow-up group (40.4% vs. 14.4%, p<0.001). Retreatment was achieved sooner in the planned follow-up group than in the PRN follow-up group (137 days vs. 156 days). When accounting for other variables, having a planned follow-up appointment remains the most important factor in establishing retreatment (OR = 3.32, 2.11-5.29, p<0.001).ConclusionHaving a planned follow-up appointment after the initial course of PRT improves identification of patients who would benefit from additional treatment, thus improving patient experience and quality of care.Copyright © 2023 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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