Cancer follow-up in primary care after treatment with curative intent: Views of patients with breast and colorectal cancer

• Published in: Patient education and counseling 2024-05, Vol.122, p.108139-108139, Article 108139
• Main Authors: Liemburg, Geertje B., Korevaar, Joke C., Logtenberg, Mariëlle, Berendsen, Annette J., Berger, Marjolein Y., Brandenbarg, Daan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breast cancer; Colorectal cancer; Follow-up; Primary care; Qualitative research; Shared care
• ISSN: 0738-3991; 1873-5134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108139

Increased cancer survival leads to more patients requiring oncological follow-up. Debate about how best to coordinate this care has led to the proposed involvement of general practitioners (GPs) rather than continued reliance on hospital care. However, we still require patient opinions to inform this debate. This qualitative interview study explored opinions about organization of follow-up care of patients treated curatively for breast and colorectal cancer. Thematic analysis was applied. We interviewed 29 patients and identified three themes concerning care substitution: “benefits and barriers,” “requirements,” and “suitable patient groups.” Benefits included accessibility, continuity, contextual knowledge, and psychosocial support. Barriers included concerns about cancer-specific expertise of GPs and longer waiting times. Requirements were sufficient time and remuneration, sufficient training, clear protocols, and shared-care including efficient communication with specialists. According to patients with cancer, formal GP involvement appears feasible, although important barriers must be overcome before instituting care substitution. A possible solution are personalized follow-up plans based on three-way conversations with the specialist and the GP after the initial hospital care. With adequate training, time, and remuneration, formal GP involvement could ensure more comprehensive care, possibly starting with less complex cases. •GP involvement in oncological follow-up may be cost-effective and more comprehensive.•Patients feel that GPs need training, sufficient time and remuneration for this.•Patients desire personalized care plans aligned between patients, GPs and specialists.•Implementation could begin with older patients and those with less complex cancers.