Randomized controlled trial of shared care for patients with cancer involving general practitioners and cancer specialists

Abstract

Purpose: We aimed to determine whether a shared care model (SCM) during chemotherapy treatment improved emotional wellbeing, empowerment, and prevalence of symptoms for people being treated for cancer. Methods: People receiving chemotherapy for hematologic, breast, ovarian, or colorectal malignancies at two cancer centers were randomly assigned to receive SCM or standard care. The SCM involved a patient-held record, a project coordinator, routine contact between the patient and general practitioner/primary care physician, and primary care physician education. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer, and an empowerment questionnai..