title: The Role of General Practitioners in Cancer Care: A Mixed Method Design.
abstract: The aims of this study were to identify the current role of general practitioners (GP) and the unmet needs of cancer patients in primary care. First, we conducted individual interviews with 10 cancer patients. Next, we developed a questionnaire, which was distributed among cancer patients across Estonia. Altogether, 113 questionnaires were returned. We observed that while the patients were satisfied with their GP's work, they mostly preferred to discuss cancer-related problems with oncologists. The role of GPs in regard to other diseases was perceived as very important, also patients found it relevant to consult all investigations with their primary health care physician. The main problems experienced by the patients were a lack of proper accessible information about their disease and its inadequate presentation by doctors, as well as problems with coordination between primary and secondary health care providers. In conclusion, we can say that even treatment of cancer is centralised to oncology clinics, patients also contact their GPs during cancer care. Therefore, GPs should be aware of patients' general health and comorbid medical problems. Better communication between primary and secondary health care doctors as well as more integration of GPs in cancer care is needed.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, University of Tartu, Puusepa 1a-2120, 50406, Tartu, Estonia. kadri.suija@ut.ee.
authors: Kadri
authors: K
authors: Suija
authors: Department of Family Medicine, University of Tartu, Puusepa 1a-2120, 50406, Tartu, Estonia.
authors: Tanel
authors: T
authors: Kordemets
authors: Department of Family Medicine, University of Tartu, Puusepa 1a-2120, 50406, Tartu, Estonia.
authors: Kadi
authors: K
authors: Annuk
authors: Department of Family Medicine, University of Tartu, Puusepa 1a-2120, 50406, Tartu, Estonia.
authors: Ruth
authors: R
authors: Kalda
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002173:Cancer Care Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards*; D011379:Prognosis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Cancer care; Continuity of care; Family practise; General practitioners; Managed care; Patient education; Primary health care