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. 2001 Oct;47:2009-12, 2015-6.

Family physicians and cancer care. Palliative care patients' perspectives.

A Norman 1, J Sisler 1, T Hack 1, M Harlos 1
PMCID: PMC2018446  PMID: 11723595

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore factors that affect the integrity of palliative cancer patients' relationships with family physicians and to ascertain their perceptions of their FPs' roles in their care. DESIGN: Qualitative study using grounded-theory methods, taped semistructured interviews, and chart reviews. SETTING: Two palliative care hospital wards in Winnipeg, Man. PARTICIPANTS: A purposeful sample of 11 men and 14 women. METHOD: Qualitative content analysis of interview transcripts. MAIN FINDINGS: Cancer care is organized in a sequential, parallel, or shared manner between FPs and cancer specialists, with sequential care a common outcome if patients' relationships with their FPs wane. Cancer patients can lose contact with FPs because of patient or physician relocation, distrust over delays in diagnosis, failure to perceive a need for FPs, poor communication between FPs and specialists, and a lack of FP involvement in the hospital. People with cancer value FPs for being accessible through prompt appointments and telephone contact; for providing emotional and family support; and for referral, triage, and general medical care. CONCLUSION: Family physicians can enhance care of cancer patients. Contact with FPs can be maintained by ensuring good communication between specialists and FPs, defining a clear role for FPs, addressing concerns about delays in diagnosis, and referring patients back to FPs, particularly after hospitalization.

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Selected References

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