title: Views of cancer care reviews in primary care: a qualitative study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) provides an incentive for practices to establish a cancer register and conduct a review with cancer patients within 6 months of diagnosis, but implementation is unknown.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe: (1) implementation of the QOF cancer care review; (2) patients' experiences of primary care over the first 3 years following a cancer diagnosis; (3) patients' views on optimal care; and (4) the views of primary care professionals regarding their cancer care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study using thematic analysis and a framework approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six general practices in the Thames Valley area.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews with cancer patients and focus groups with primary care teams.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-eight adults with 12 different cancer types were interviewed. Seventy-one primary care team members took part in focus groups. Most cancer care reviews are conducted opportunistically. Thirty-five patients had had a review; only two could recall this. Patients saw acknowledgement of their diagnosis and provision of general support as important and not always adequately provided. An active approach and specific review appointment would legitimise the raising of concerns. Primary care teams considered cancer care to be part of their role. GPs emphasised the importance of being able to respond to individual patients' needs and closer links with secondary care to facilitate a more involved role.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients and primary care teams believe primary care has an important role to play in cancer care. Cancer care reviews in their current format are not helpful, with considerable scope for improving practice in this area. An invitation to attend a specific appointment at the end of active treatment may aid transition from secondary care and improve satisfaction with follow-up in primary care.
authors: HRH Prince Sultan Chair in Supportive Cancer Care, Oxford Brookes, University School of Health and Social Care, Oxford, UK. ewatson@brookes.ac.uk
authors: Eike
authors: E
authors: Adams
authors: Mary
authors: M
authors: Boulton
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Rose
authors: Susi
authors: S
authors: Lund
authors: Alison
authors: A
authors: Richardson
authors: Sue
authors: S
authors: Wilson
authors: Eila
authors: E
authors: Watson
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D036301:Qualitative Research