title: Continuity of cancer patient care in New Zealand; the general practitioner perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  As cancer treatments become more effective, increasing numbers of cancer patients seek long-term support from general practice. This study aimed to canvass the perspective of GPs on issues around continuity of care for these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this qualitative study purposive sampling was used to invite a range of New Zealand GPs from urban and rural communities in the Greater Wellington and Otago/Southland areas to participate. A total of 34 GPs took part in three semi-structured individual interviews and six focus groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six main themes emerged; the participating GPs noted they wanted more involvement in their patients' cancer journeys but were not always clear of their place in relation to cancer specialists and other health care providers. They saw cancer as a chronic condition to be managed long term. They mentioned the breast cancer and palliative care models as examples to be followed. Poor communication and barriers for patients in accessing GP care were seen as areas for improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participating GPs felt that the current cancer care pathway could be improved with a better understanding of their own role and through improved communication with patients, cancer specialists and other health professionals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Therapy, University of Otago, Wellington.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kane
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington.
authors.forename: Marieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jasperse
authors.affiliation: Preventive & Social Med, University of Otago, Dunedin.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Egan
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington.
authors.forename: Lynn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: McBain
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington.
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McKinlay
authors.affiliation: Department of Primary Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pullon
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Therapy, University of Otago, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Patries
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Herst
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003142:Communication; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D058005:General Practitioners; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D009520:New Zealand; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research