Geriatric oncology, general practitioners and specialists: Current opinions and unmet needs

Abstract 

Purpose

To describe the patterns of care of elderly cancer patients (ECPs) (>70 years old) and the factors affecting the referral by general practitioners (GPs) of patients to cancer specialists (SPs), in Alsace France.

Methods

A postal mail questionnaire was sent to a total of 2818 physicians including primary care physicians and specialists. The factors possibly responsible for a poor referral rate of ECPs and the factors affecting treatment implementation by specialists were explored. We also searched for unmet needs such as the incorporation of geriatric assessment into routine practice and continuous medical education (CME) programs.

Results

A total of 1217 questionnaires were returned (46.9%) from 1053 GPs and 214 SPs. Patients’ age did not negatively impact referral to SPs as opposed to patients’ performance status, wishes, and co-morbidities. Conversely, a significant decrease in patients’ file presentation by SPs to tumor boards was observed for patients over 80 years old. Neither reimbursement nor SPs’ waiting lists were an issue. The need for CME programs in geriatric oncology was emphasized by both GPs and SPs.

Conclusions

Age was not the governing variable that impacted patient referral. The need for CME in geriatrics was highlighted for both GPs and SPs.

Keywords: Elderly, Cancer, General practitioner, CME, Chemotherapy, Oncologist