GP-led melanoma follow-up: the practical experience of GPs.
OBJECTIVE
To explore how GP-led melanoma follow-up had actually worked from the perspective of GPs by exploring in detail the practical experience of GPs running the programme.


METHODS
Semi-structured audio-taped telephone interviews with GPs delivering a GP-led follow-up programme for people with cutaneous malignant melanoma.


METHODS
Seventeen GPs currently delivering structured GP-led routine follow-up for people with cutaneous melanoma.


RESULTS
GP-led melanoma follow-up worked well from the perspectives of GPs. The GPs felt that they were well equipped and supported in undertaking the follow-up consultations and recognized that they were freeing up hospital consultant time. They felt that patients appreciated the convenience of GP-led follow-up. The GPs felt that a robust recall system, initial training with regular refreshers and effective consultant backup were vital components of a successful long-term programme.


CONCLUSIONS
GP-led melanoma follow-up is feasible and, provided certain concerns can be addressed, GPs are willing to provide it.
Murchie
Peter
P
Centre of Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Centre, Westburn Road, Aberdeen AB25 2AY, UK. p.murchie@abdn.ac.uk
Delaney
Elizabeth K
EK
Campbell
Neil C
NC
Hannaford
Philip C
PC
D000359:Aftercare / Q000379:methods; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010821:Physicians, Family; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*