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

BACKGROUND:Increasing longevity and improved cancer treatment have increased the prevalence of cancer survivors substantially and 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 the General Practitioners' (GPs) self-assessment of competences regarding cancer survivors and late effects. DESIGN & SETTING:A total of 500 Danish GPs were invited to a web-based survey. METHOD:Questions comprised organisation of follow-up cancer care, and the GPs' self-assessment of their competences in follow-up care and evaluation of late effects. Covariates considered included gender, age, seniority, and practice type. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS:Some 29% of the GPs reported systematic organisation of follow-up cancer care in their clinic. Over half of the GPs assessed themselves as competent in evaluating mental sequelae, existential considerations, and the impact on co-morbidities. 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:Less than one of 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.