Follow-up cancer care in Danish general practice: a questionnaire study

Abstract

Background The number of patients who have survived cancer has increased substantially owing to improved cancer treatment. This has reinforced the need for effective strategies for follow-up cancer care in general practice. Aim To investigate the organisation of follow-up cancer care in Danish general practice and to analyse GPs’ self-assessment of competences regarding patients who have survived cancer and late effects. Design & setting A total of 500 Danish general practices were invited to a web-based survey. Method Questions comprised organisation of follow-up cancer care, and GPs’ self-assessment of their competences in follow-up care and evaluation of late effects. Covariates considered included sex, age, seniority, and practice type. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models. Results Some 28% of the GPs reported systematic organisation of follow-up cancer care in their clinic. More than half of the GPs assessed themselves as competent in evaluating mental sequelae, existential considerations, and the impact on comorbidities. In contrast, only 19% and 33% of GPs reported competences in sexual and physical sequelae, respectively. Female GPs were less likely to report competences regarding physical and mental sequelae as well as sexual disturbances, and GPs from partnership practices were more likely to report competence in assessing mental sequelae. Conclusion Fewer than one in three general practices have organised systematic follow-up cancer care and GPs assess their competence as low with respect to physical sequelae and sexual challenges. This emphasises the need for more systematic organisation and focus on knowledge of late effects in general practice.