A new role for nurses as Primary Care Cancer Lead Clinicians in Primary Care Trusts in England

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the Primary Care Cancer Lead Clinician initiative in England. One of the objectives was to examine the impact of the Primary Care Cancer Lead Clinicians' clinical background on how they perform their role. This study compares nurses and General Practitioners in the Primary Care Cancer Lead Clinician role.

Background: The Primary Care Cancer Lead Clinician initiative developed from the National Health Service Cancer Plan. Primary Care Cancer Lead Clinicians are expected to work strategically to raise the standards of cancer care within primary care.

Methods: A postal questionnaire survey was sent to Primary Care Cancer Lead Clinicians and one manager in each Primary Care Trust in England. Telephonic interviews were also undertaken with a range of stakeholders in six case study areas.

Results: There were striking similarities between nurses and General Practitioners in the Primary Care Cancer Lead Clinician role. Differences related to the wider roles of the two groups. Nurses placed greater emphasis on fitting in whereas General Practitioners were more likely to expect to take charge and look for administrative support.

Conclusions: There is evidence to show that whether the Primary Care Cancer Lead Clinician was a nurse or a General Practitioner was less important than having local credibility and the support of their Primary Care Trust.