• Peter Murchie, Elizabeth K Delaney, Neil C Campbell, and Philip C Hannaford.
• Centre of Academic Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Centre, Westburn Road, Aberdeen, AB25 2AY, UK. p.murchie@abdn.ac.uk
• Support Care Cancer. 2010 Feb 1;18(2):225-33.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the practical experiences and feelings of people with cutaneous malignant melanoma about receiving structured melanoma follow-up from their general practitioner (GP) as an alternative to traditional hospital-based follow-up.DesignSemi-structured audio-taped telephone interviews were conducted with patient recipients of a GP-led follow-up programme for people with cutaneous malignant melanoma.SubjectsEighteen people with cutaneous malignant melanoma that had received structured GP-led routine follow-up for cutaneous malignant melanoma took part in this study.ResultsGP-led melanoma follow-up worked well from the perspectives patients. Patients appreciated convenience of the system, less rushed appointments with more thorough examinations, a more pleasant atmosphere and greater continuity of care. They regarded the GP-led follow-up positively, irrespective of distance from the major cancer centre. Concerns expressed included awareness that most GPs had less experience of melanoma than hospital specialists.ConclusionsGP-led melanoma follow-up is feasible and is generally viewed positively by those patients that have experienced it.

34 keywords...

hide…