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Cancer care reviews (CCR) form an integral part of the shared-care approach; but clearly more can be done to improve the service provided by GPs. What is apparent from this study, and others, is that patients require a comprehensive consultation to discuss key aspects of their condition and social circumstances.1,2. Listed below are three ways to help improve a CCR consultation.
Firstly, it appears that GPs value a template on which to base a cancer review consultation.1 It should be known that Macmillan have developed a comprehensive CCR template, easily accessible on EMIS. The template facilitates a balanced review that is repeatable between patients. Crucially, it prompts discussion on commonly neglected areas such as ‘support needs’. Unpublished research conducted by Macmillan showed that GPs found the template to be user-friendly and a valuable aid.3 Macmillan recommends that CCR consultations should be performed face-to-face to maximise the benefits to both doctor and patient.4
Secondly, studies1,2 have shown that GPs feel uncomfortable discussing certain aspects of patient care, namely ‘support needs’. GPs should be aware of important resources, to help address this phenomenon. An example is the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative (NCSI) website. It offers information on patient-focussed services (e.g. Health and Well-being Clinics) as well as resourc...
Competing Interests: None declared.