What is the role of GPs and the wider Primary Care Team in caring for haematological cancer patients at the end of life?

Haematological cancers are cancers of the blood, bone marrow, and lymph system.  Together they include diseases such as Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma, and myeloma.  These are common cancers, and our previous research has highlighted that they carry a high physical and psychological burden.

People with haematological cancers are less likely to access specialist palliative care services than other groups of cancer patients.  This may be because the end of life phase is difficult to predict, can be very rapid, and patients can have complex medical needs that make care outside of the hospital more difficult.  In this context, end of life care can be challenging, and patients with haematological cancer spend more time in hospital at end of life. 

Recent end of life care policy has encouraged the provision of care in the home, the preferred place of care for many patients at the end of their lives.  As more patients are cared for in the community, there is an increasing reliance on the involvement of community and primary care staff, including GPs.  GPs have strengths in providing care that encompasses the patient’s overall health, in developing lasting relationships with families, and in recognising psychosocial needs.

This research project will explore the role of the GP in providing care to people with haematological cancers at end of life.  We will interview 20 GPs about their role in care provision, and their views on how this care is best provided.  This will allow us to better understand the role of the GP and their thoughts on how to best provide end of life care to patients with a haematological cancer. 

We will use this information to help us to develop further research plans. 

Amount awarded: £23 995.00