Abstract
The prevalence of breast cancer in Sri Lanka is on the rise. A need analysis was carried out to identify the learning needs and utilization of currently available learning resources on breast cancer management among the general practitioners (GPs) in Sri Lanka. A pretested questionnaire was posted to 210 GPs affiliated to College of General Practitioners of Sri Lanka. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Response rate was 55.2%. Fifty nine (50.9%) participants were aged between 31-50 years and 77 (66.4%) were males. Majority 87(75%) had not previously taken part in any CPD program on breast cancer management. Awareness on the guide for primary care doctors and family physicians on management of breast symptoms (31, 26.7%) and national guidelines on management of breast carcinoma (20, 17.2%) were markedly low. Although majority (99, 85.3%) reported a medium to high involvement in referral, 77(66.4%) admitted of low involvement in shared follow up care while 72(62.1%) reported low involvement in palliative care. Accordingly, palliative care (68,58.6%) and shared follow up care(77,66.4%) were identified to be among the top two priority areas to be included in a future CPD module. Majority (83, 71.5%) preferred either online or blended modes of learning. In conclusion, participation of GPs in CPD programs on breast cancer management and awareness on current guidelines are deficient. Although current involvement in referral of breast cancer patients for tertiary care is substantial, involvement in shared follow up care and palliative care is low. Thus, a future online CPD module should be established with greater emphasize on these areas.
Highlights
IntroductionThe general practitioners (GPs) have a traditional role in breast cancer management in terms of screening, health promotion and referral.With enhanced cancer survivorship and more patients seeking services from already overburdened specialist oncology centres, the role of GPs in the continuum of cancer care has significantly evolved in recent times.Corresponding Author: Dr Thanya Pathirana, Masters student in Public health, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.In developed countries, their roles in shared follow up care with the oncologists and in palliative care within the primary health care setting have been reasonably established (Roorda et al, 2012) and supported by continuing professional development (CPD) training opportunities (Mitchell et al, 2004).In Sri Lanka, the only training resource available for GPs, apart from the national guidelines, is the “Guide for primary care doctors and family physicians on management of breast symptoms” published by the National Cancer Control Program
It‟s worthwhile to note that in Sri Lanka, Elearning has not been widely established so far it initially aspired to become a significant component of the national continuing professional development (CPD) program, especially in the peripheral areas of the country (Epa, 2005)
Evidence from developed countries had described higher general practitioners (GPs) involvement during initial and late stages of the cancer care spectrum which included diagnosis, referral and palliative care (Mitchell et al, 2004; Roorda et al, 2012) while our study showed this involvement was essentially limited to diagnosis and referral for specialist care
Summary
The general practitioners (GPs) have a traditional role in breast cancer management in terms of screening, health promotion and referral.With enhanced cancer survivorship and more patients seeking services from already overburdened specialist oncology centres, the role of GPs in the continuum of cancer care has significantly evolved in recent times.Corresponding Author: Dr Thanya Pathirana, Masters student in Public health, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.In developed countries, their roles in shared follow up care with the oncologists and in palliative care within the primary health care setting have been reasonably established (Roorda et al, 2012) and supported by continuing professional development (CPD) training opportunities (Mitchell et al, 2004).In Sri Lanka, the only training resource available for GPs, apart from the national guidelines, is the “Guide for primary care doctors and family physicians on management of breast symptoms” published by the National Cancer Control Program. Corresponding Author: Dr Thanya Pathirana, Masters student in Public health, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. In developed countries, their roles in shared follow up care with the oncologists and in palliative care within the primary health care setting have been reasonably established (Roorda et al, 2012) and supported by continuing professional development (CPD) training opportunities (Mitchell et al, 2004). This document is not available online [NCCP, 2012) Even though it includes information on the referral pathway and updated screening guidelines, it lacks comprehensive information on novel treatment modalities, shared follow up care and palliative care at primary health care level. It‟s worthwhile to note that in Sri Lanka, Elearning has not been widely established so far it initially aspired to become a significant component of the national CPD program, especially in the peripheral areas of the country (Epa, 2005)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
