RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Communicating effectively to patients about a cancer referral
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP bjgp24X738117
DO 10.3399/bjgp24X738117
VO 74
IS suppl 1
A1 Black, Georgia
A1 Russell, Jessica
YR 2024
UL http://bjgp.org/content/74/suppl_1/bjgp24X738117.abstract
AB Background The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) advises GPs to inform patients referred to the Urgent Suspected Cancer (USC) pathway about their impending service and expectations. However, little is known about patient experiences and information needs post-referral. GPs often grapple with conveying the urgency of referrals while offering reassurance.Aim This study explores GP communication regarding cancer and USC referrals.Method A secondary analysis of 23 audio-recorded GP-patient consultations, selected from a larger dataset of 200 consultations in Surrey and London (2017–2018), was conducted, focusing on discussions related to cancer.Results We found that most GPs informed patients that they might have cancer and engaged in reassurance about the patient’s low risk of cancer using personalised risk statements. Some GPs, however, avoided all mention of cancer, using symptom-led language instead. GPs tended to focus on communicating practical rather than support-based information when discussing the referral. While most GPs informed patients that they would be seen by a specialist within two weeks, few discussed patients’ support needs during the referral or specialist appointment.Conclusion This presentation will offer language recommendations for clear communication about cancer referrals. This plays an important role in promoting shared decision-making and driving patient attendance for investigations. The study highlights the need for further research on communication practices around cancer referral to improve patient understanding and experience. Our recommendations for enhanced communication may improve patient outcomes by optimising routes to diagnosis via primary care.