Abstract
IntroductionWhile multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare diagnosis within primary care, its precursor MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) is more common, particularly among older populations. Upon first detection, the majority of MGUS patients will be under the care of their General Practitioner (GP)/Family Doctor who is also often the first healthcare professional that patients report symptoms of progression to. However, our previous work with MGUS patients and haematology healthcare professionals has suggested that knowledge and awareness of MGUS is low among GPs.MethodsAn online survey was undertaken to investigate knowledge and awareness of MGUS and services needed by GPs/GP trainees to support these patients. The survey was promoted at a large European primary care conference and via social media. Descriptive statistics were utilised to compare participant responses.ResultsIn total 58 GPs (n = 35 GPs and n = 23 GP trainees) from 24 countries responded. Overall, self-reported familiarity with the term MGUS was low (mean score: 2.21/5, standard deviation (SD): 1.09), but higher among GPs who reported having at least one MGUS patient (mean score: 2.83/5, SD 0.99). The majority (88.2%) of GPs/GP trainees stated they would feel uncomfortable discussing MGUS with patients. The increased risk of haematological malignancies was identified by 62.1% of GPs/GP trainees with MM, lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndromes the most commonly reported cancers associated with MGUS. The majority (81.6%) of GPs/GP trainees were supportive of patient follow-up via telephone clinics (phlebotomy performed in GP practice with patient management maintained by haematology) but only 27.1% stated they would be happy to solely manage all low/low-intermediate risk MGUS patients. A laboratory report alerting to the possibility of MGUS or a haematological malignancy was reported as the most useful service which could be implemented to help GPs manage MGUS patients. The need for MGUS focused information and education resources for GPs was also highlighted.ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight a lack of knowledge and awareness of MGUS among GPs/ GP trainees. The majority of GPs/GP trainees are happy to support haematology in managing these patients but require assistance and support in providing these services.
Highlights
While multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare diagnosis within primary care, its precursor monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is more common, among older populations
MM is proceeded by monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) [3, 4], which is estimated to be present in 3.2% of the population aged 50 years and older [5]
Just over half of the respondents (n = 30; 51.7%) reported knowing that they had at least one MGUS patient enrolled within their General Practitioner (GP) practice
Summary
While multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare diagnosis within primary care, its precursor MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) is more common, among older populations. The majority of MGUS patients will be under the care of their General Practitioner (GP)/Family Doctor who is often the first healthcare professional that patients report symptoms of progression to. MM is proceeded by monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) [3, 4], which is estimated to be present in 3.2% of the population aged 50 years and older [5]. Follow-up guidelines for MGUS vary internationally, most advocate for one annual follow-up visit with relevant myeloma-related investigations [6, 11,12,13]. It is recommended that these follow-up visits continue indefinitely or until life expectancy becomes limited [6, 11,12,13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
