Implementation of a GP communication policy - A cancer care coordination initiative

Abstract

Introduction: National Service Improvement Framework for Cancer clearly demands a 'co-ordinated approach to cancer care which enables networked integrated services to be provided within a person-centred and multidisciplinary framework'. Cancer Australia identifies the importance of having 'protocols in place to ensure people with cancer are supported at every point, and that they do not have to keep negotiating different elements of their care'. Many patients with cancer receive treatment as outpatients, and this focus on community care places increased demands on primary care doctors. General practitioners play a critical role in the treatment of patients with cancer, yet often lack information for optimal care. The literature informs us that it is vital for general practitioners to have adequate knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment plan to optimally support ambulatory care. Method: The Cancer Care Coordination Service identified key points along the cancer care journey which may be strengthened by greater communication with the patients' general practitioners. These include notification of patient referral to a multidisciplinary team meeting, invitation to participate in the meeting and provision of a written summary. A further key point is the communication of the treatment protocol with provision of link to a recognised web based resource to support ongoing ambulatory care requirements. Finally, the general practitioner is notified of the completion of active treatment and referral to the survivorship support program. Conclusion: The CCCS utilises a secure email transfer system to communicate with the general practitioners at vital points of the individual patient journey.<br />