From information to action: how medical reports can support general practitioners in long-term cancer care-a qualitative exploratory study.

Authors

Sandra Salm, Astrid-Alexandra Klein, Teresa Halbsguth, Karen Voigt, Karola Mergenthal, Corina Güthlin

Published in

Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice. Jul 03, 2026. Epub Jul 03, 2026.

Abstract

General practitioners (GPs) are central to the lifelong care of cancer survivors, yet it remains unclear which information needs they have regarding the content and format of oncological medical reports. This study explores which information GPs require and how they interpret and use this information to provide long-term cancer care in the context of German primary care.
We conducted an exploratory qualitative study using a multi-method approach: semi-structured interviews with 14 GPs, a think-aloud interview with an oncologist during report drafting, and a workshop with six GPs and one oncologist. Data were analyzed using a content-based summarizing approach.
GPs emphasized that information on performed treatments, current diagnostic findings (including excluded diagnoses), and the specific information shared with the long-term cancer survivor are highly relevant. To effectively implement the information from medical reports in care provision, prioritized risks of late effects, and clear recommendations for further care are needed. Structured presentation of information, such as bullet points or tables, was perceived as supporting interpretation and use of information.
Structured and prioritized medical reports support GPs in their role as coordinators and providers of long-term cancer care. Such reports have the potential to improve the continuity and quality of care for long-term cancer survivors by bridging oncology and primary care.
Survivors benefit from better-informed GPs who can provide consistent counseling and management of long-term and late effects. Clearer communication between other specialists and GPs reduces the risk of fragmented care and ensures that long-term survivorship needs are addressed holistically within the primary care setting.

PMID:
42397542
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 03 Jul 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.