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. 2017 Feb;12(3):50-65.

Towards Integrating Primary Care with Cancer Care: A Regional Study of Current Gaps and Opportunities in Canada

Jonathan Sussman  1 , Daryl Bainbridge  1 , William K Evans  1
Affiliations

Towards Integrating Primary Care with Cancer Care: A Regional Study of Current Gaps and Opportunities in Canada

Jonathan Sussman et al. Healthc Policy. 2017 Feb.

Abstract
in English, French

Background and objectives: Better integration between cancer care systems and primary care physicians (PCPs) is a goal of most healthcare systems, but little direction exists on how this can be achieved. This study systematically examined the extent of integration between PCPs and a regional cancer program (RCP) to identify opportunities for improvement.

Method: Cross-sectional survey of all practising PCPs in the region of interest using a study-specific instrument based on a three-tier conceptualization of integration.

Results: Among the 473 PCPs who responded (63% response rate), perceived role clarity and the desire for greater involvement in patient care varied across the care trajectory. Specific gaps were identified in PCPs' understanding of the referral process and patient follow-up after treatment.

Conclusion: Our novel survey of PCPs explicated the strategies that could improve their integration in cancer care, including mechanisms to support PCPs in the initial diagnosis of their patients and standardized post-treatment transition plans outlining care roles and responsibilities.

Contexte et objectif:: Une meilleure intégration entre les systèmes de soins contre le cancer et les médecins de première ligne (MPL) est un des objectifs de la plupart des systèmes de santé, mais il existe peu de guides d'orientation pour y arriver. Cette étude examine systématiquement l'étendue de l'intégration des MPL et des programmes régionaux contre le cancer afin de repérer les occasions propices à l'amélioration.

Méthode:: Un sondage transversal, employant un instrument spécifique pour l'étude fondé sur une conceptualisation à trois volets de l'intégration, a été mené auprès de tous les MPL de la région étudiée.

Résultats:: Parmi les 473 MPL qui ont répondu au sondage (taux de réponse de 63 %), la clarté du rôle perçu et le désir d'une meilleure participation dans les soins au patient varient le long de la trajectoire de soins. Des lacunes précises ont été identifiées quant à la compréhension qu'ont les MPL du processus d'aiguillage et du suivi des patients après le traitement.

Conclusion:: Notre nouveau sondage auprès des MPL éclaire les stratégies qui pourraient permettre d'améliorer l'intégration entre les MPL et les soins contre le cancer, notamment des mécanismes de soutien pour les MPL dans le diagnostic initial ainsi que des plans standardisés de transition post-traitement qui définissent les rôles et responsabilités pour les soins.

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