Correspondence between primary and secondary care about patients with cancer: a Delphi consensus study.

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION:To provide optimal care for patients with cancer, timely and efficient communication between healthcare providers is essential. In this study, we aimed to achieve consensus regarding the desired content of communication between general practitioners (GPs) and oncology specialists before and during the initial treatment of cancer. METHODS:In a two-round Delphi procedure, three expert panels reviewed items recommended for inclusion on referral and specialist letters. RESULTS:The three panels comprised 39 GPs (42%), 42 oncology specialists (41%) (i.e. oncologists, radiotherapists, urologists and surgeons) and 18 patients or patient representatives (69%). Final agreement was by consensus, with 12 and 35 items included in the GP referral and the specialist letters, respectively. Th

SUBMITTER: Stegmann ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6803614 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature