Acceptance Declaration
Accept
Additional Information
I declare I have no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this program.
MINI ABSTRACT DESCRIPTION
The prevalence of cancer in British Columbia (BC) is growing by approximately 3% per year and the survival rate for all cancers continues to increase. With this marked increased in prevalence and survival rates, there is a need to leverage the expertise of family physicians to ensure the increasing demands are met. A province-wide needs assessment was completed to better understand the needs of family physicians providing care for patients with cancer in BC. Analysis found that FPs see themselves as the key point of contact and psychosocial support for their patients throughout their cancer journey and value being involved in treatment decisions. Clinical knowledge related to cancer is highly variable in FPs and there is a need for more support around transitions in care and managing comorbidities, post-treatment follow-up and late-effects.
Accepted Type
Dedicated Poster
Category
General Call (Workshop, Oral Presentation, Poster Presentation)
Type
Oral
Sub Type
Education Research
Considered for Poster
yes
Title
Bringing the voice of primary care to BC Cancer: Results from a province-wide primary care oncology needs assessment
Background/Purpose
The prevalence of cancer in British Columbia (BC) is growing by approximately 3% per year and the survival rate for all cancers continues to increase. With this marked increased in prevalence and survival rates, there is a need to leverage the expertise of family physicians (FPs) to ensure the increasing demands are met. A province-wide needs assessment was completed to better understand the needs of FPs providing care for patients with cancer in BC.
Methods
The needs assessment was conducted in three phases, with results from each phase informing the next. The phases consisted of nine key informant interviews, followed by a comprehensive online survey, and five focus groups.
Results
Analysis found that FPs see themselves as the key point of contact and psychosocial support for their patients throughout their cancer journey and value being involved in treatment decisions. Clinical knowledge related to cancer is highly variable in FPs and there is a need for more support around transitions in care and managing comorbidities, post-treatment follow-up and late-effects. Family physicians identified gaps in communication channels between community FPs and cancer providers. Finally, recommendations related to education and resources moved away from tumor-specific education towards more care pathway-based education and resources.
Conclusion
Specific barriers, enablers and support gaps were identified by FPs providing care to their patients with cancer. The findings will inform the development of programming, resources and educational offerings to better support FPs and improve the sustainability of cancer care in BC.
Keyword 1
Oncology
Keyword 2
Needs Assessment
Keyword 3
Primary Care
Level of Training
CPD (faculty development, CME)
Abstract Themes
Continuing Medical Education
Additional Theme (First choice)
Continuing Medical Education
Additional Theme (Second Choice)
Postgraduate
Authors
Term 1
Yes
Term 2
Yes
Term 3
Yes
Term 4
Yes
Term 5
Yes