title: Patients' views on general practitioners' role during treatment and follow-up of colorectal cancer: a qualitative study.
abstract: To clarify experiences and preferences of patients regarding the current and future role of GPs during treatment and follow-up care of colorectal cancer (CRC).
  
  
  
  Qualitative semi-structured, audio-recorded, face-to-face interviews in patients' homes in the north of the Netherlands were performed. Patients were sampled purposively on age, gender, time since diagnoses and primary health care use. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically by two independent researchers until saturation was reached.
  
  
  
  Twenty-two patients were interviewed. GPs played a significant and highly valued role directly after surgery by proactively contacting their patients and offered support in clarification of medical issues, lifestyle advice and care for treatment-related side effects. During follow-up, GPs provided psychosocial support for patients and family members, besides routine health care. Concerning the organization of future follow-up care, most patients expressed a preference for specialist-led services; some said that primary care-led care would be more accessible and less expensive.
  
  
  
  Although at present patients perceived their GP is involved in CRC care, they would prefer their follow-up care in a hospital setting. If, in line with recent insights, future follow-up care might become more relying on testing for markers instead of imaging, there may be scope for incorporating this care in current GP routines.
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Daan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brandenbarg
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Carriene
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Roorda
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stadlander
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Geertruida H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: de Bock
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Marjolein Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.affiliation: Department of General Practice, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Annette J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Berendsen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D057240:Patient Preference; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Colorectal neoplasms; patient preference; primary health care; qualitative research; survivors