A Survey Among Family Doctors On Care Reality Of Patients Under Oral Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Therapies

Introduction: Oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies are becoming increasingly more important in the treatment of malignant diseases. Monitoring with focus on adherence, side effects and interactions poses new challenges for medical care. The role and capabilities of family doctors in the care of TKI patients are yet unclear and should be uncovered in a nationwide survey.Methods: From April to July 2016, 3,000 family doctors in Germany were asked to complete a written questionnaire regarding their capabilities for co-supervision of TKI patients.Results: The response rate was 18% (n = 553). The peak age was between 50 and 60 years. 81% were specialists in general medicine, 14% specialists in internal medicine and 5% general practitioners. 98% cared for no or less than 10 TKI patients per quarter. Knowledge of side effects and interaction potential of TKIs was low in over 90%. 83% preferred monitoring by the treating oncologist and 93% felt uncertain about treatment monitoring. The control of adherence was of little importance in 66%. The number of treated TKI patients had a significant impact on knowledge and opportunities for treatment monitoring. There was a significant correlation between knowledge about TKIs and confidence in treatment monitoring. In general, younger doctors tended to be more confident in treatment monitoring, and specialists in internal medicine tended to have more knowledge than specialists in general medicine general practitioners and general practitioners.Discussion: Currently, the low number of TKI patients, little knowledge about TKI, and the desire for specialist care are limiting the possibilities of co-caring for TKI patients by family doctors. Conclusion: Although family doctors are generally motivated to care for tumor patients, routine treatment controls of TKI patients conducted by family doctors seem hardly possible at the moment and should currently remain with the specialist.