Poster Presentation 2025 National Cancer Survivorship Conference

Oncologist and general practitioner perspectives of shared care for colorectal cancer survivors (#139)

Karolina Lisy 1 2 3 , Matthew Tieu 4 , Claire Gore 1 , Penelope Schofield 5 , Raymond Chan 4 , Jon Emery 2 , Andrew Martin 6 , Richard De Abreu Lourenco 7 , Michael Jefford 1 2 3
  1. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC
  2. University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
  3. Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  4. Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
  5. Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
  6. University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  7. University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia

Background and aims

There are increasing calls internationally for improved models of care for cancer survivors, and a growing body of evidence supports a shared survivorship care model. The shared care of colorectal cancer survivors (SCORE) randomised controlled trial (RCT)1 recently demonstrated that shared care is both appropriate and cost-effective. In order to support wider implementation of shared care and adoption into clinical practice, it is useful to understand the perspectives of oncologists and general practitioners (GPs) who delivered shared care as part of SCORE. This study aimed to explore the experiences of oncologists and GPs who provided shared survivorship care for colorectal cancer survivors within the SCORE RCT, focusing on perceptions of acceptability and appropriateness of the model, as well as facilitators and barriers to implementation.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study informed by implementation outcomes. We utilised semi-structured interviews for data collection. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and data analysed by inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty health care professionals (13 GPs and 7 oncologists) participated in this study. Seven themes were developed from the data, describing overall acceptance of the shared care model, the importance and challenges regarding bilateral communication between providers, the roles of provider confidence, whether GPs require training to provide shared care, and patients suitable for shared care. The need to support GPs with a direct hospital-based contact person, as well as clear guidance on their role, was emphasised, as was the need for clear expectation setting regarding communication, care coordination and logistical support.

Conclusions

By interviewing HCPs with direct experience of shared care, this study study provides novel insights regarding delivery and implementation of shared care for colorectal cancer survivors. Results will inform improvement to shared care models and support future implementation initiatives.

  1. Jefford M, Emery JD, James Martin A, et al. SCORE: a randomised controlled trial evaluating shared care (general practitioner and oncologist) follow-up compared to usual oncologist follow-up for survivors of colorectal cancer. EClinicalMedicine. 2023;66:102346