Improving communication between the general practitioner and the oncologist: a key role in coordinating care for patients suffering from cancer

BMC Cancer

Kim Paricaud¹  Vladimir Druel²  Nathalie Boussier²  Laetitia Gimenez²  Marie-Eve Rougé Bugat²  Pascale Grosclaude³  Jean-Pierre Delord⁴ 

[1] Department of Internal Medicine, Toulouse University Hospital;Department of Primary Care, University of Toulouse;Inserm U1027, Faculty of Medicine;Paul Sabatier University;

关键词: Cancer;    Communication;    Disclosure;    General practitioner;    Oncologist;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12885-020-06993-0

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Patients suffering from cancers are increasingly numerous in general practice consultations. The General Practitioner (GP) should be at the heart of the management of patients. Several studies have examined the perceptions of GPs confronted with the patient suffering from cancer and the relationships of GPs with oncologists, but few studies have focused on the patients’ perspective. We studied the three-way relationship between the oncologist, the GP, and the patient, from the patient’s point of view. Methods A questionnaire validated by a group consisting of GPs, oncologists, nurses, an epidemiologist and quality analyst, was administered over a three-week period to patients suffering from cancer receiving chemotherapy in a day hospital. Results The analysis was based on 403 questionnaires. Patients had confidence in the GP’s knowledge of oncology in 88% of cases; 49% consulted their GP for pain, 15% for cancer-related advice, and 44% in emergencies. Perceived good GP/oncologist communication led patients to turn increasingly to their GP for cancer-related consultations (RR = 1.14; p = 0.01) and gave patients confidence in the GP’s ability to manage cancer-related problems (RR = 1.30; p < 0.01). Mention by the oncologist of the GP’s role increased the consultations for complications (RR = 1.82; p < 0.01) as well as recourse to the GP in an emergency (RR = 1.35; p < 0.01). Conclusion Patients suffering from cancer considered that the GP was competent, but did not often consult their GP for cancer-related problems. There is a discrepancy between patients’ beliefs and their behaviour. When the oncologist spoke to patients of the GP’s role, patients had recourse to their GP more often. Systematically integrating a GP consultation to conclude cancer diagnosis disclosure, could improve management and care coordination.

【 授权许可】

Unknown