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BMC Primary Care
Published in: BMC Primary Care 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Prostate Cancer | Research

Type of treatment, symptoms and patient satisfaction play an important role in primary care contact during prostate cancer follow-up: results from the population-based PROFILES registry

Authors: Barbara M. Wollersheim, Mies van Eenbergen, Kristel M. van Asselt, Laurent M. C. L. Fossion, Evert L. Koldewijn, Jorg R. Oddens, Eric H. Oomens, Bart P. Wijsman, Lonneke V. van de Poll-Franse, Nicole P. M. Ezendam

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

With the increasing attention for the role of General Practitioners (GPs) after cancer treatment, it is important to better understand the involvement of GPs following prostate cancer treatment. This study investigates factors associated with GP contact during follow-up of prostate cancer survivors, such as patient, treatment and symptom variables, and satisfaction with, trust in, and appraised knowledge of GPs.

Methods

Of 787 prostate cancer survivors diagnosed between 2007 and 2013, and selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, 557 (71%) responded to the invitation to complete a questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate which variables were associated with GP contact during follow- up.

Results

In total, 200 (42%) prostate cancer survivors had contact with their GP during follow-up, and 76 (16%) survivors preferred more contact. Survivors who had an intermediate versus low educational level (OR = 2.0) were more likely to have had contact with their GP during follow-up. Survivors treated with surgery (OR = 2.8) or hormonal therapy (OR = 3.5) were also more likely to seek follow-up care from their GP compared to survivors who were treated with active surveillance. Patient reported bowel symptoms (OR = 1.4), hormonal symptoms (OR = 1.4), use of incontinence aids (OR = 1.6), and being satisfied with their GP (OR = 9.5) were also significantly associated with GP contact during follow-up.

Conclusions

Education, treatment, symptoms and patient satisfaction were associated with GP contact during prostate cancer follow-up. These findings highlight the potential for adverse side-effects to be managed in primary care. In light of future changes in cancer care, evaluating prostate cancer follow-up in primary care remains important.
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Metadata
Title
Type of treatment, symptoms and patient satisfaction play an important role in primary care contact during prostate cancer follow-up: results from the population-based PROFILES registry
Authors
Barbara M. Wollersheim
Mies van Eenbergen
Kristel M. van Asselt
Laurent M. C. L. Fossion
Evert L. Koldewijn
Jorg R. Oddens
Eric H. Oomens
Bart P. Wijsman
Lonneke V. van de Poll-Franse
Nicole P. M. Ezendam
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-021-01567-w

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