OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the practical experiences and feelings of people with cutaneous malignant melanoma about receivingstructured melanoma follow-up from their general practitioner (GP) as an alternative to traditional hospital-based follow-up. DESIGN:Semi-structured audio-taped telephone interviews were conducted with patient recipients of a GP-led follow-up programme for people with cutaneous malignant melanoma. SUBJECTS:Eighteen people with cutaneous malignant melanoma that had received structured GP-led routine follow-up for cutaneous malignant melanoma took part in this study. RESULTS: GP-led melanoma follow-up worked well from the perspectives patients. Patients appreciated convenience of the system, less rushed appointments with more thorough examinations, a more pleasant atmosphere and greater continuity of care. They regarded the GP-led follow-up positively, irrespective of distance from the major cancer centre. Concerns expressed included awareness that most GPs had less experience of melanoma than hospital specialists. CONCLUSIONS: GP-led melanoma follow-up is feasible and is generally viewed positively by those patients that have experienced it.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the practical experiences and feelings of people with cutaneous malignant melanoma about receiving structured melanoma follow-up from their general practitioner (GP) as an alternative to traditional hospital-based follow-up. DESIGN: Semi-structured audio-taped telephone interviews were conducted with patient recipients of a GP-led follow-up programme for people with cutaneous malignant melanoma. SUBJECTS: Eighteen people with cutaneous malignant melanoma that had received structured GP-led routine follow-up for cutaneous malignant melanoma took part in this study. RESULTS: GP-led melanoma follow-up worked well from the perspectives patients. Patients appreciated convenience of the system, less rushed appointments with more thorough examinations, a more pleasant atmosphere and greater continuity of care. They regarded the GP-led follow-up positively, irrespective of distance from the major cancer centre. Concerns expressed included awareness that most GPs had less experience of melanoma than hospital specialists. CONCLUSIONS: GP-led melanoma follow-up is feasible and is generally viewed positively by those patients that have experienced it.
Authors: Kate D Cromwell; Merrick I Ross; Yan Xing; Jeffrey E Gershenwald; Richard E Royal; Anthony Lucci; Jeffrey E Lee; Janice N Cormier Journal: Melanoma Res Date: 2012-10 Impact factor: 3.599
Authors: Anne Nicolaisen; Gitte Bruun Lauridsen; Peter Haastrup; Dorte Gilså Hansen; Dorte Ejg Jarbøl Journal: Scand J Prim Health Care Date: 2022-03-07 Impact factor: 3.147
Authors: Lucie Rychetnik; Rachael L Morton; Kirsten McCaffery; John F Thompson; Scott W Menzies; Les Irwig Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2012-12-19 Impact factor: 2.655