Challenges in Cancer Care for General Surgeons in Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Anna R Gagliardi, Frances C Wright, Dave Davis, Robin S McLeod, David R Urbach
Primary Institution: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Hypothesis
General surgeons face challenges in coordinating care for complex cancer patients due to limitations in resources and information access.
Conclusion
General surgeons use various information resources, but these do not adequately address the complex needs of many cancer patients, indicating a need for improved coordination in multidisciplinary care.
Supporting Evidence
- General surgeons reported that system resource constraints, comorbidities, and physiologic factors were significant challenges in cancer care.
- The majority of surgeons used local colleagues and the Internet as primary sources of information.
- Surgeons indicated that existing resources did not adequately support the complex needs of cancer patients.
Takeaway
Surgeons often ask their colleagues for help when treating cancer patients, but they still struggle because the information they find isn't always helpful.
Methodology
A mailed questionnaire was sent to general surgeons in Ontario to assess their information needs and seeking practices, with a response rate of 44.2%.
Potential Biases
Potential self-report bias and underestimation of information needs by surgeons.
Limitations
The study had a lower response rate than average for physician surveys, and self-report bias may affect the findings.
Participant Demographics
Participants included general surgeons from both academic and community settings in Ontario, Canada.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.024
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website