Who is responsible? The role of family physicians in the provision of supportive cancer care
- PMID: 20539726
- PMCID: PMC2805338
- DOI: 10.1200/JOP.091060
Who is responsible? The role of family physicians in the provision of supportive cancer care
Abstract
Purpose: Patients living with cancer identify family physicians (FPs; ie, primary care physicians) as a preferred resource for supportive cancer care (SCC), either through direct provision or referral. However, little research exists on the specific role FPs play in addressing these needs.
Methods: A mailed survey was sent to all FPs in a health care region in Ontario, Canada, to determine their current and preferred roles in the specific provision of SCC to patients with cancer who have been newly diagnosed or are at the end of life.
Results: Completed surveys were received from 84 (64%) of 183 eligible FPs. Most practitioners reported providing for their patients' various SCC needs. However, clear gaps were demonstrated in psychosocial and nutritional counseling and in providing information about SCC services. FPs were satisfied with their current role reported in SCC coordination, although the type of role varied; FPs who were asked about their end-of-life patients tended to see themselves as part of coordinating teams, whereas FPs asked about their recently diagnosed patients were more likely to defer this responsibly to a third party.
Conclusion: This study identified gaps in the provision of psychosocial and informational care to patients with cancer that may result in unmet needs. In general, FPs do not see themselves as primarily responsible for coordinating patients' SCC and do not wish to assume this role. Accordingly, models that involve FPs as team members in SCC coordination are more feasible for reducing patient need.
Similar articles
-
A cross sectional survey of urban Canadian family physicians' provision of minor office procedures.BMC Fam Pract. 2006 Mar 19;7:18. doi: 10.1186/1471-2296-7-18. BMC Fam Pract. 2006. PMID: 16545142 Free PMC article.
-
The role of family physicians in cancer care: perspectives of primary and specialty care providers.Curr Oncol. 2017 Apr;24(2):75-80. doi: 10.3747/co.24.3447. Epub 2017 Apr 27. Curr Oncol. 2017. PMID: 28490920 Free PMC article.
-
Policy versus practice: comparison of prescribing therapy and durable medical equipment in medical and educational settings.Pediatrics. 2004 Nov;114(5):e612-25. doi: 10.1542/peds.2004-1063. Pediatrics. 2004. PMID: 15520092
-
Care Coordination Between Family Physicians and Palliative Care Physicians for Patients With Cancer: Results of a Quality Improvement Initiative.JCO Oncol Pract. 2024 Jul;20(7):964-971. doi: 10.1200/OP.23.00560. Epub 2024 Mar 13. JCO Oncol Pract. 2024. PMID: 38478801
-
Palliative care experiences of adult cancer patients from ethnocultural groups: a qualitative systematic review protocol.JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep. 2015 Jan;13(1):99-111. doi: 10.11124/jbisrir-2015-1809. JBI Database System Rev Implement Rep. 2015. PMID: 26447011
Cited by
-
Cost trajectories for cancer patients.Curr Oncol. 2016 Feb;23(Suppl 1):S64-75. doi: 10.3747/co.23.2995. Epub 2016 Feb 29. Curr Oncol. 2016. PMID: 26985150 Free PMC article.
-
Patient and Provider Attitudes and Preferences Regarding Early Palliative Care Delivery for Patients with Advanced Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Prospective Survey.Curr Oncol. 2024 Jun 13;31(6):3329-3341. doi: 10.3390/curroncol31060253. Curr Oncol. 2024. PMID: 38920736 Free PMC article.
-
A Cancer Patient Journey: Complete Review During Acute Treatment Phase.Health Equity. 2019 Aug 12;3(1):403-408. doi: 10.1089/heq.2019.0046. eCollection 2019. Health Equity. 2019. PMID: 31406954 Free PMC article.
-
The role of the GP in follow-up cancer care: a systematic literature review.J Cancer Surviv. 2016 Dec;10(6):990-1011. doi: 10.1007/s11764-016-0545-4. Epub 2016 May 2. J Cancer Surviv. 2016. PMID: 27138994
-
A randomised controlled trial to improve the role of the general practitioner in cancer rehabilitation: effect on patients' satisfaction with their general practitioners.BMJ Open. 2013 Jul 3;3(7):e002726. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002726. Print 2013. BMJ Open. 2013. PMID: 23824312 Free PMC article.
References
-
- Bulsara C, Ward AM, Joske D. Patient perceptions of the GP role in cancer management. Aust Fam Physician. 2005;34:299–301. - PubMed
-
- Gray RE, Goel V, Fitch MI, et al. Supportive care provided by physicians and nurses to women with breast cancer: Results from a population-based survey. Support Care Cancer. 2002;10:647–652. - PubMed
-
- Fitch M. Supportive care for cancer patients. Hosp Quart. 2000;3:39–46. - PubMed
-
- Ashbury FD, Findlay H, Reynolds B, et al. A Canadian survey of cancer patients' experiences: Are their needs being met? J Pain Symptom Manage. 1998;16:298–306. - PubMed
-
- Brazil K, Whelan T, O'Brien M, et al. Towards improving the co-ordination of supportive cancer care services in the community. Health Policy. 2004;70:125–131. - PubMed
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Research Materials
Miscellaneous