Ietje Perfors

11 reached consensus on the diagnosis and proposed treatment. While patients are being treated for cancer, the involvement of the GP varies. Information provision to the GP is not standard, and depends on the initiative of either the GP or the individual specialist. 8 Research shows that many GPs feel ‘out of the loop’ after referral, and experience a barrier to connect with the patient. 21–23 As a result the contact between the GP and the patient depends on the individual initiative of either the GP or the patient. Literature shows that cancer patients consult their GP during treatment more often as compared to healthy controls. 8, 24 Reasons for increased GP contact during treatment can be related to the physical or psychosocial consequences of cancer and its treatment, but also to the higher prevalence of co-morbidity. 8, 24 Currently, these GP contacts occur in response to patient’s complaints, questions or worries, and are not built in a structured format during the cancer journey. A survey of the Dutch patient organisation for cancer patients (NFK) showed that patients with cancer regard the GP as the trusted professional with whom they want to share concerns and from whom they expect advice regarding cancer, choice of treatment and its side effects . Patients want the GP to provide themwith further information on the expected recovery, late treatment effects and on how to adjust to normal life after treatment. 25 After primary treatment has been completed, patients have to restart their live, living with the consequences of cancer, its treatment, the fear of recurrence and the feeling of being left alone. 26 Continuity of cancer care aims at coordination, information exchange and integrating care delivery during the whole cancer journey as much and often as possible. 27 Although generally considered as the individual ‘care coordinator’, and the trusted professional who safeguards continuity and integrated care for the patient, 20, 28 the GP is presently unable to fulfil this role in patients with cancer. 29, 30 1