Survey of family physicians: what is their role in cancer patient care?

In 1993, a survey of randomly-selected family physicians in two regions of Ontario was conducted to assess their views on various aspects of supportive care of patients with cancer. A response rate of 71% was obtained. Results showed that physicians are using preventive and screening techniques in their practices. They are comfortable with most of their roles in supportive cancer care with the exceptions of conveying news of therapy failure and total coordination of care. There is significant dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the timing and content of the consultation letters received from the regional cancer centers. Finally, family physicians expressed the importance of their roles in palliative care.