Poster Presentation Victorian Integrated Cancer Service Conference 2015

“Did anyone tell my GP I’m starting chemotherapy?” – An extensive review of communication between Hospitals and GPs for patients commencing chemotherapy (#82)

Ilana Hornung 1 2 3 , J Torres 1 2 3 , S Greenberg 1 2 3
  1. Western Health, Footscray, VIC, Australia
  2. St Vincents Hospital, Melbourne
  3. Ballarat Health Services, Ballarat
BACKGROUND:Oncology patients develop symptoms due to disease and treatment. Knowledge of chemotherapy toxicity and its management remains the domain of oncologists. However majority of cancer patients receive chemotherapy in ambulatory setting, and General Practitioners (GPs) may be consulted/ required to assess and manage toxicity. Adequate communication between Medical Oncology Teams and GPs is vital and details of current practice are unknown. Baseline information on communication processes was required before attempting to improve handover practices.

METHODS:

A retrospective audit of medical charts for 50 consecutive new patients receiving IV chemotherapy/ biological targeted therapy from July 1st2013 at 3 University affiliated oncology departments in Victoria Australia (suburban and rural) were conducted simultaneously. Details of timing, frequency and quality of information communicated with Primary Care Practitioners (PCPs) were analysed.

RESULTS: 

150 charts were analysed. 132 (88%) had evidence of written communication with PCPs. 52 (35%) patients were over 70 years old. The following table summarises details of communication:Information provided to PCPNumber (%) Total 132Details of treatment type116(88%)Intent of treatment (curative vs palliative)110 (84%)Planned timing of treatment80 (61%)Potential adverse events (AE)46 (35%)Advice on management of11 (8%)AEIndicators for urgent review7 (5%)Process for contacting hospitals/oncologist13 (10%)Psycho-social issues mentioned45 (34%)

CONCLUSION:

A multisite (rural and metropolitan) comprehensive review of current practice regarding communication with oncology and PCPs at commencement of chemotherapy has highlighted deficiencies including details of potentially serious AE, indicators for urgent review and contact details from the hospital/oncology services. We are currently piloting an intervention to improve coordination of care for patients commencing chemotherapy.