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Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 1/2020

Open Access 01-02-2020 | Care

Off to a good start after a cancer diagnosis: implementation of a time out consultation in primary care before cancer treatment decision

Authors: Eveline A. Noteboom, Niek J. de Wit, Ingrid J. E. M. van Asseldonk, Monique C. A. M. Janssen, Wai Yee Lam-Wong, Rob H. P. J. Linssen, Manon J. A. E. Pepels, Natascha A. W. P. Schrama, Mariëlle E. H. Trompper, L. Maaike Veldhuizen, Anne P. Wijtvliet, Ed G. F. Zeldenrust, Ans M. Hendrikx, Wil A. van de Boomen, Dorothé M. Elbersen, Esther M. G. Jacobs, Elsken van der Wall, Charles W. Helsper

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Purpose

Supportive care for cancer patients may benefit from improving treatment decisions and optimal use of the family physicians’ and specialists’ strengths. To improve shared decision-making (SDM) and facilitate continuity of primary care during treatment, a cancer care path including a “time out consultation” (TOC) in primary care before treatment decision, was implemented. This study assesses the uptake of a TOC and the added value for SDM.

Methods

For patients with metastatic lung or gastro-intestinal cancer, a TOC was introduced in their care path in a southern region of The Netherlands, from April until October 2016. Uptake of a TOC was measured to reflect on facilitation of continuity of primary care. The added value for SDM and overall experiences were evaluated with questionnaires and semi-structured interviews among patients, family physicians, and specialists.

Results

Of the 40 patients who were offered a TOC, 31 (78%) had a TOC. Almost all patients, family physicians, and specialists expressed that they experienced added value for SDM. This includes a stimulating effect on reflection on choice (expressed by 83% of patients) and improved preparation for treatment decision (75% of patients). Overall added value of a TOC for SDM, only evaluated among family physicians and specialists, was experienced by 71% and 86% of these physicians, respectively.

Conclusion and Implications for Cancer Survivors

The first experiences with a TOC in primary care before cancer treatment decision suggest that it may help to keep the GP “in the loop” after a cancer diagnosis and that it may contribute to the SDM process, according to patients, family physicians, and specialists.
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Metadata
Title
Off to a good start after a cancer diagnosis: implementation of a time out consultation in primary care before cancer treatment decision
Authors
Eveline A. Noteboom
Niek J. de Wit
Ingrid J. E. M. van Asseldonk
Monique C. A. M. Janssen
Wai Yee Lam-Wong
Rob H. P. J. Linssen
Manon J. A. E. Pepels
Natascha A. W. P. Schrama
Mariëlle E. H. Trompper
L. Maaike Veldhuizen
Anne P. Wijtvliet
Ed G. F. Zeldenrust
Ans M. Hendrikx
Wil A. van de Boomen
Dorothé M. Elbersen
Esther M. G. Jacobs
Elsken van der Wall
Charles W. Helsper
Publication date
01-02-2020
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Care
Published in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-019-00814-5

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