Journal Article DKFZ-2025-00156

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png
Analysis of radiation oncology integration within general practitioners' daily patient care: a cross-sectional survey in Germany.

 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;

2025
Springer Medizin Heidelberg

Strahlentherapie und Onkologie 201, 723–731 () [10.1007/s00066-024-02352-1]
 GO

This record in other databases:

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:

Abstract: General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in providing interdisciplinary care for radiation oncology patients. This study aims to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by general practitioners in Germany when treating oncology patients.A comprehensive web-based questionnaire with 24 items was disseminated to GPs in Germany via email using survio.com. The survey collected data on demographics, qualifications, clinical experiences, decision-making involvement, and symptom recognition. It specifically examined post-radiotherapy care and the use of specialized palliative homecare networks (SAPV). Statistical analyses were descriptive. The survey was open from July 4 to August 9, 2023.A notable majority of general practitioners displayed confidence in their understanding of cancer-related symptoms, with over half (54.6%) rating their knowledge with 4 out of 5. This level of self-assessed expertise extended to their capacity to address the needs of cancer patients (53.8%), although 67% express a need for further education in specifically radiotherapeutic side effects. Satisfaction with SAPV networks was high, and 72.3% of respondents were actively involved in palliative care, compared to only 45.6% in managing radiation therapy. Notable challenges included inadequate communication with specialists, insufficient staffing, and under-recognition of GPs' roles in oncology care.The study highlights a paradox where GPs show high engagement in palliative care but limited involvement in radiation therapy management due to communication gaps and professional development needs. Addressing these disparities through targeted initiatives and fostering a collaborative care model is essential to amplify the important role of GPs, ensuring more integrated and effective patient care.

Keyword(s): Cancer patient management ; Healthcare survey ; Interdisciplinary collaboration ; Primary care integration ; Radiotherapy access

Classification:

Note: Volume 201, pages 723–731, (2025)

Contributing Institute(s):
  1. DKTK Koordinierungsstelle München (MU01)
Research Program(s):
  1. 899 - ohne Topic (POF4-899) (POF4-899)

Appears in the scientific report 2025
Database coverage:
Medline ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Clinical Medicine ; DEAL Springer ; DEAL Springer ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection
Click to display QR Code for this record

The record appears in these collections:
Document types > Articles > Journal Article
Public records
Publications database

 Record created 2025-01-20, last modified 2025-06-24



Rate this document:

Rate this document:
1
2
3
 
(Not yet reviewed)