A population afflicted with liver disease, putting them at risk of cancer, undergoes surveillance to detect cancer at its earliest stages. The recommended protocol involves ultrasound screenings every six months. However, not all individuals consistently adhere to this schedule.
We are currently assessing the adherence to this surveillance program over a four-year period among a group of patients. The attendance patterns vary greatly among them. For example some patients initially undergo multiple ultrasounds within intervals of less than six months, possibly due to additional medical reasons, and then nothing for a long period.
While the concept of adherence has been extensively discussed in existing literature, none seem to have addressed the irregular intervals between ultrasounds. Chen et al. previously measured adherence based on the assumption that each ultrasound spans a six-month period. Our focus lies more on evaluating attendance patterns, such as the proportion of patients receiving screenings every six months versus those receiving them annually. I would appreciate suggestions.
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