Oncology and Primary Care Provider Views on Cancer Survivorship Care: Mind the Gap.

Abstract

Coordination between oncology and primary care practices in cancer survivorship is lacking. To identify cancer care coordination perceptions, knowledge, and practices in a sample of Oklahoma oncology care providers (ONCs) and primary care providers (PCPs) regarding post-treatment care of adult cancer survivors. Cross-sectional, statewide survey by mail/web link in 2014/5. PCPs identified through a primary care research network, primary care organization membership lists; ONCs identified through www.Healthgrades.com. Contacts who were clinically active and seeing cancer patients were eligible. The final sample size included 101 ONCs and 58 PCPs who reported actively seeing cancer patients. Responses to predominately Likert scale or ranked-order questions derived from the Survey of Physician Attitudes Regarding the Care of Cancer Survivors. Chi square and t tests were performed to test bivariate associations between provider type and survey measures. Statistically significant differences (P < .05) between ONC and PCP perceptions were observed for several questions on communication between the 2 provider types, ONC perceptions of PCP ability to address survivorship care, and responsibilities for post-treatment care. Highly discrepant perspectives between ONCs and PCPs regarding communications and responsibilities for survivorship care may lead to adverse health outcomes. Interventions aimed at improving care coordination for cancer survivors should define each provider group's responsibilities in survivorship care, and create structures and processes that foster clear channels of communication between ONC and PCP practices.