title: The role of the general practitioner in cancer care: a survey of the patients' perspective.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Modern cancer care is provided in highly specialized structures as certificated centres and comprehensive cancer center, as well as specialized practices. In contrast, the position of the general practitioner (GP) is less well characterised and there is a lack of information about his importance in the care for cancer patients. The aim of our survey was to assess the role of GPs in German cancer care from patients' perspective.
  
  
  METHODS
  In several steps we developed a standardized anonymous questionnaire in cooperation with the German Association of General Practitioners and the Federal Association of German Self-Help Groups. This questionnaire was used in a print and an online version and distributed by the self-help organizations to their members.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven hundred and forty participants took part in the survey, 66.5% women and 30.1% men. 71% had visited the GP during cancer therapy and 34.5% discussed decisions concerning diagnostics and therapy with him. The most relevant reasons to visit the GP during cancer therapy were to get a blood test (63.3%), comorbidities (42.7%) and complaints and side effects (38.3%). For the latter, most often a detailed discussion ensued (57%), fooled by a prescription (37.7%). In 63.4% the GP offered support when patients had some questions or worries concerning their cancer. Yet, 17% of the patients reported that the GP did not try to help. 85.5% of the participants thought that it is important that their GP is informed about the therapy on a regular basis. For 77.0%, a simultaneous care provided by the GP is important or very important.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our survey points to the importance of the GP during cancer therapy from the patient's point of view. Patients want their GP to take an active part in the cancer therapy. Furthermore, early integration of the GP may also enhance early integration of palliative care and also help family members and caregivers. A strategy to integrate GPs is the establishment of shared care models, in which GPs are supported by specialists and get additional training in cancer care.
authors.affiliation: Working Group Integrative Oncology, Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J.W. Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.affiliation: National Association of Patients after Laryngectomy, Thomas-Mann-Straße 40, 53111, Bonn, Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Walter
authors.affiliation: Institute for Education for General Practitioners within the German Association of General Practitioners, Rumpler-Straße 2, 51149, Cologne, Germany.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fessler
authors.affiliation: Working Group Integrative Oncology, Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J.W. Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Koester
authors.affiliation: Working Group Integrative Oncology, Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J.W. Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ruetters
authors.affiliation: Working Group Integrative Oncology, Dr. Senckenberg Chronomedical Institute, J.W. Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany. huebner@med.uni-frankfurt.de.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Huebner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cancer care; Comorbidities; General practitioner; Patient; Shared care; Side effects