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. 2020 Oct:48:101820.
doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101820. Epub 2020 Aug 1.

Exploring the experiences of patients, general practitioners and oncologists of prostate cancer follow-up: A qualitative interview study

Sally Taylor  1 , Helen Johnson  2 , Sara Peat  3 , Jane Booker  2 , Janelle Yorke  4
Affiliations

Exploring the experiences of patients, general practitioners and oncologists of prostate cancer follow-up: A qualitative interview study

Sally Taylor et al. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2020 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the experiences of patients and healthcare professionals of prostate cancer follow-up in primary care and to identify areas where current policy and practice could be improved.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews with patients, GPs and oncologists explored experiences of prostate cancer follow-up. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The three participant groups were analysed as individual datasets but the same key themes were evident across the groups.

Results: 14 patients, 6 GPs and 5 oncologists were interviewed. Four main themes were identified: Experience of current practice; Knowledge and understanding of prostate cancer follow up; Disparity of processes and pathways; Unclear roles and responsibilities.

Conclusions: Findings from this study highlight the variation in the approach to prostate specific antigen monitoring and emphasise the lack of clear policies and practices. The lack of clarity around existing follow up and monitoring processes could cause delays in the diagnosis of recurrence. There is a need for a new and improved pathway for prostate cancer follow up. The pathway should include clear and concise guidance for patients, primary care and secondary care and all relevant parties need to understand what their role is within the pathway.

Keywords: Follow up; Oncology; Primary care; Prostate cancer; Qualitative.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Themes from analysis of data.
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