Late-effect awareness and follow-up of cancer in general practice.
Siri A EikelandKnut B SmelandMette BrekkeCecilie E KiserudAlexander FossåPublished in: Scandinavian journal of primary health care (2022)
GPs' awareness of LEs and their willingness to provide follow-up care were related to familiarity with guidelines and experience. GPs more involved in follow-up care also had higher knowledge of LEs. Distribution of guidelines on LEs and follow-up care, and improving collaboration with hospital specialists, might increase GPs' knowledge and willingness to become involved in follow-up care, especially early in their careers. GPs' involvement and attitude towards follow-up of survivors of common solid cancers and HL, a rare malignant disease, were similar.KEY POINTSNorwegian general practitioners (GPs) are involved in survivorship care after cancer treatment. We investigated their awareness of late effects (LEs), their involvement and their attitude towards follow-up care of solid cancers and Hodgkin's lymphoma. • GPs registered as specialists, aware of guidelines and with experience from hospital-based cancer care reported higher awareness of LEs. • GPs with higher awareness of LEs were more frequently involved in follow-up care. • GPs with longer experience in general practice were comfortable with follow-up care at an earlier stage after treatment. • Results were similar for follow-up care of survivors of solid cancers and Hodgkin's lymphoma.