Open AccessThe primary care provider ( PCP )‐cancer specialist relationship: A systematic review and mixed‐methods meta‐synthesis
Author(s) -
Dossett Lesly A.,
Hudson Janella N.,
Morris Arden M.,
Lee M. Catherine,
Roetzheim Richard G.,
Fetters Michael D.,
Quinn Gwendolyn P.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
ca: a cancer journal for clinicians
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 62.937
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1542-4863
pISSN - 0007-9235
DOI - 10.3322/caac.21385
Subject(s) - cancer , medicine , primary care , psychological intervention , family medicine , inclusion (mineral) , nursing , oncology , psychology , social psychology
Although they are critical to models of coordinated care, the relationship and communication between primary care providers (PCPs) and cancer specialists throughout the cancer continuum are poorly understood. By using predefined search terms, the authors conducted a systematic review of the literature in 3 databases to examine the relationship and communication between PCPs and cancer specialists. Among 301 articles identified, 35 met all inclusion criteria and were reviewed in‐depth. Findings from qualitative, quantitative, and disaggregated mixed‐methods studies were integrated using meta‐synthesis. Six themes were identified and incorporated into a preliminary conceptual model of the PCP‐cancer specialist relationship: 1) poor and delayed communication between PCPs and cancer specialists, 2) cancer specialists' endorsement of a specialist‐based model of care, 3) PCPs' belief that they play an important role in the cancer continuum, 4) PCPs' willingness to participate in the cancer continuum, 5) cancer specialists' and PCPs' uncertainty regarding the PCP's oncology knowledge/experience, and 6) discrepancies between PCPs and cancer specialists regarding roles. These data indicate a pervasive need for improved communication, delineation, and coordination of responsibilities between PCPs and cancer specialists. Future interventions aimed at these deficiencies may improve patient and physician satisfaction and cancer care coordination. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:156–169. © 2016 American Cancer Society.