Ietje Perfors

88 Chapter 4 Methods Aim The randomised GRIP study primarily aims to evaluate the effects of structured follow-up from primary care on patient satisfaction and healthcare utilisation for cancer patients treated with curative intent. In addition, we assess the effects on quality of life, mental health, patient empowerment, shared decision making and employment status. Design GRIP is a multi-centre, two-armed randomised controlled trial in the Netherlands. Study population We aim to include 150 newly diagnosed cancer patients who are to be treated with curative intent for one of the following types of cancer: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, all types of gynaecologic cancer, lung cancer, or melanoma. We primarily intended to include prostate cancer, but our study was incompatible with ongoing psycho-social research in this patient population in the participating hospitals. Inclusion criteria Patients are eligible for study participation, when they meet all of the following criteria: • Newly diagnosed with one of the following types of cancer: breast cancer, colorectal cancer, all types of gynaecologic cancers, lung cancer or melanoma. Not being recurrent disease. • Cancer therapy is initiated with curative intent (cancer staged I-III). • Patient’s general practitioner agrees to participate in the GRIP-study. • Patient is 18 years or older. • Patients can be included before start of the cancer treatment. • Sufficient mastery of the Dutch language or translator available during study.