The push towards primary care: views of health professionals on the role of primary care in the follow-up of men with prostate cancer

Watson, E.K., O'Brien, R., Campbell, C., Weller, D., Neal, R.D., Wilkinson, C. and Rose, P.W. (2011) The push towards primary care: views of health professionals on the role of primary care in the follow-up of men with prostate cancer. Family Practice, 28(6), pp. 647-654. (doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmr034)

Abstract

<b>Background</b> Follow-up care for prostate cancer has traditionally been led by secondary care in hospital out-patient clinics. As the number of men with prostate cancer increases and secondary care resources face pressure, alternative follow-up models are being sought. Current National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance recommends follow-up outside the hospital setting for patients who are stable 2 years following radical treatment and for those undergoing ‘watchful waiting’.<p></p> <b>Objective</b> To describe current practice in a sample of relevant health care professionals and to seek their views on the role of primary care in prostate cancer follow-up.<p></p> <b>Methods</b> Semi-structured telephone interviews with 38 UK health care professionals, from both secondary and primary care. Transcripts were analysed using the constant comparative method.<p></p> <b>Results.</b> There are marked variations in current follow-up practice around the country, with hospital-based follow-up ranging from 6 months to lifetime. The predominant, although not universal, view expressed was that there is both scope and support for primary care to play a greater role, particularly for men with stable disease. This was qualified by the need for supporting education, including guidance on interpretation of prostate-specific antigen values, introduction of robust follow-up systems in primary care, easy access back into secondary (hospital) care, a mechanism for ensuring follow-up data can still be collected for audit purposes and appropriate resourcing.<p></p> <b>Conclusions</b> If primary care is to play a significant role in providing high-quality follow-up care for men with prostate cancer, then steps need to be taken to address the barriers to increased primary care involvement identified by this study.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: O'Brien, Dr Rosaleen
• Authors: Watson, E.K., O'Brien, R., Campbell, C., Weller, D., Neal, R.D., Wilkinson, C., and Rose, P.W.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
• Journal Name: Family Practice
• ISSN: 0263-2136
• ISSN (Online): 1460-2229
• Published Online: 21 June 2011