A qualitative exploration of the role of primary care in supporting colorectal cancer patients

Susan Hall, Nicola Gray, Susan Browne, Sue Ziebland, Neil Campbell

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Abstract

Purpose To explore experiences and support needs of people with colorectal cancer, with a focus on identifying opportunities for primary care interventions.
Methods We conducted a new qualitative analysis of an existing dataset, comprising semi-structured interview transcripts from 39 people with colorectal cancer from across the UK, interviewed in 2001–2002 for www.healthtalkonline.org. Then, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 people with colorectal cancer from North East Scotland and Glasgow in 2009 and analysed these new data to explore themes and challenge hypotheses that emerged from the Healthtalkonline data.
Results Formal sources of support, including that from primary care, were valued by those who received them, but provision was described as sporadic both in 2002 and in 2009. However, more of the 2009 participants gave descriptions
of specialist nurse and community nurse involvement, and telephone contact from general practitioners, which were welcomed. Improvements in meeting information
needs, particularly on the issues of diet and sex, were identified by 2009. A recurring issue reported by patients was the distress experienced by their own friends and family; some patients found themselves having to provide, rather than receive, emotional support at this difficult time.
Conclusions There have been improvements in support for people with colorectal cancer since 2002, with more specialist and community nurse involvement, and telephone contact from general practitioners, but provision remains piecemeal. Patients would benefit if their families received support, and primary care may be in a good position to provide this. A proactive approach from general practitioners in the post-discharge period is valued.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3071-3078
Number of pages8
JournalSupportive Care in Cancer
Volume20
Issue number12
Early online date9 Mar 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2012

Bibliographical note

Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the contribution of the Health Experience Research Group at Oxford University and especially Linda Rozmovits who collected the original data for the Healthtalkonline Colorectal Cancer study. To all the recent participants, in both interview groups, who gave their time willingly, often with the express desire to “help someone else in the future”, thank you.
Funding
This work was supported by Cancer Research UK, programme grant number C542/A6502.

Keywords

  • cancer
  • family medicine
  • qualitative research
  • social care

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