Family physicians' roles in cancer care. Survey of patients on a provincial cancer registry.
OBJECTIVE
To describe cancer patients' experience of the role of family physicians (FPs) in their care.


METHODS
Mail survey of a random sample of patients from the Manitoba Cancer Registry.


METHODS
Manitoba.


METHODS
Two hundred two adults, 6 to 12 months after diagnosis.


METHODS
Proportion needing different kinds of help from FPs and their rating of FPs' response; FACT-G quality-of-life score.


RESULTS
Response rate was 56.6%; two thirds of the sample were in the follow-up phase. Most (91%) had an FP involved in their care, but FP involvement decreased after diagnosis. The most frequently needed kinds of help (with general medical problems, quick referrals, taking extra time, and quick office appointments) were well provided by FPs, but family support was not. Higher quality-of-life scores were associated with more help with general medical problems, more provision of cancer-related information, and more emotional support of patients and their families.


CONCLUSIONS
Family physicians respond well to the most common needs of cancer patients and should be proactive in offering their support to both patients and families.
Sisler
Jeffrey J
JJ
CancerCare Manitoba. jeff.sisler@cancercare.mb.ca
Brown
Judith Belle
JB
Stewart
Moira
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012042:Registries; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires