Advancing models of survivorship care research: an overview and recommendations for future studies.

Abstract

The growing population of cancer survivors underscores the need for models of care that effectively address their long-term needs. Over recent decades, various models have been proposed, but guidance regarding their development, testing, implementation, and evaluation remains limited. To address this gap, we conducted an overview of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed survivorship care models (1) to identify common features and methodological gaps; and (2) to assess how these models contribute to improving survivorship care by mapping their pre-defined endpoints to the quality domains of the Quality of Cancer Survivorship Care Framework and the goals of the Quintuple Aim. Lastly, we provide recommendations for future studies, specifically focusing on clarifying terminology, adopting trial methods that move beyond standard comparative designs, expanding research to more diverse populations and settings, and incorporating endpoints that capture both high-quality care and broader health system performance.