[Management of cancer patients by general practitioners. Results of a survey among 422 physicians in Aquitaine]

Abstract

Objective: To have a better knowledge on the role of the general practitioner in the management of cancer patients, their opinion on communications with the specialists and their training in oncology.

Method: In March 2000, a questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 730 general practitioners in the Aquitaine area.

Results: We obtained 440 answers (60%). The general practitioners declared taking care of a mean of 16 cancer patients among their clientele and seeing 5 new cases every year. Two thirds of them decided on the orientation of their patients, case by case. Nearly 70% of the practitioners reported difficulties, notably psychological, in the case of relapses or during the terminal phase. The majority (94%) considered the quality of the information provided by the specialists as correct or good. Globally, the practitioners would prefer to be more involved in the treatment of their cancer patients and 82% would accept to ensure the follow-up of the patients in remission.

Conclusion: The expectations of the general practitioners defined in this study merit reflection for the development of treatment networks in order to improve their organisation and the collaboration between general practitioners and specialists.