Factors influencing general practitioners in the referral of elderly cancer patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A number of studies have identified advanced age as a barrier to accessing specialised oncological care. Many factors can influence the care provided for elderly patients after a diagnosis of cancer has been established or is suspected. Only one European study has analysed the decision processes leading general practitioners (GPs) to refer elderly patients with cancer to oncologists. The objectives of the current study are to describe the factors that influence these decisions and to identify the particular factors and GP characteristics that are associated with systematic referral of these patients in South-West France.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study on a representative sample of GPs in Aquitaine, South-West France. Questionnaire items were selected usin

SUBMITTER: Delva F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3024300 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature