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Concordance between General Practitioners and Radiation Oncologists for Cancer Follow-Up Care

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Concordance between General Practitioners and Radiation Oncologists for Cancer Follow-Up Care
Abstract
(1) Background: Patients treated with radiotherapy require follow-up care to detect and treat acute and late side effects, and to monitor for recurrence. The increasing demand for follow-up care poses a challenge for specialists and general practitioners. There is a perception that general practitioners do not have the specialised knowledge of treatment side effects and how to manage these. Knowing the concordance between general practitioner and oncologist clinical assessments can improve confidence in healthcare professionals. This study aimed to measure the level of agreement between general practitioners and radiation oncologists using a standardised clinical assessment; (2) Methods: a cross-sectional clinical practice study; sample aim of 20 breast, prostate or colorectal patients, three years post-radiotherapy treatment; their general practitioner and radiation oncologist; (3) Results: There was acceptable percent agreement (>75%) and a moderate to almost perfect agreement (Fleiss kappa) for all variables between the 15 general practitioner-radiation oncologist dyads; (4) Conclusions: The general practitioner and radiation oncologist concordance of a clinical follow-up assessment for radiation oncology patients is an important finding. These results can reassure both general practitioners and oncologists that general practitioners can provide cancer follow-up care. However, further studies are warranted to confirm the findings and improve reassurance for health professionals.
Publication
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Date
2022-12-21
Volume
20
Issue
1
Pages
108
Journal Abbr
IJERPH
Accessed
7/7/25, 1:11 AM
ISSN
1660-4601
Language
en
Library Catalog
DOI.org (Crossref)
Notes

Study topic:

Assessment of concordance between general practitioners and radiation oncologists in conducting follow-up care for patients three years post-radiotherapy.

Study type:

Cross-sectional clinical practice study.

Key findings:

  • Moderate concordance was found between GPs and radiation oncologists in identifying who should manage specific aspects of follow-up, such as recurrence surveillance and psychosocial support.
  • GPs expressed greater confidence than radiation oncologists in managing common follow-up activities, including routine tests and monitoring comorbidities.
  • Discrepancies in role expectations were noted, particularly around tasks such as discussing prognosis and managing recurrence.
  • The findings underscore the importance of clearly defined care pathways and shared care protocols to avoid fragmentation of follow-up care.
  • Tools like HealthPathways may assist in clarifying roles and supporting shared decision-making between GPs and specialists.
Citation
Sandell, T., Miller, A., & Schütze, H. (2022). Concordance between General Practitioners and Radiation Oncologists for Cancer Follow-Up Care. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(1), 108. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010108