Communication in cancer care: introducing patient-held records

Abstract

The Calman and Hine (1995) Report, A Policy Framework for Commissioning Cancer Services, emphasizes the importance of good communication between all those caring for cancer patients (Calman and Hine, 1995). The report also stresses the need for appropriate procedures to be set up to facilitate the communication process. Taking this into consideration a study was undertaken to examine existing practices in communication between specialists working in cancer care and GPs. The aim of the study was to discover any problematic areas within the service, e.g. any failures or delays in the transmission of information. This article also examines ways in which improvements to the service could be made. The study findings led to a decision to introduce patient-held records. These records belong to the patients and are used by the patients and all health professionals involved in their care during the course of their illness. This scheme is currently being piloted and evaluated by cancer patients in four general practices.

Evaluation of a patient-held record for patients with cancer

“…Recognized limitations in communication with patients (The National Cancer Alliance 1996) and between different care sectors (Owen & Black 1996) require that procedures be established to improve matters. One response has been the development of patient‐held records (Hayward 1998; McCann 1998; Finlay & Wyatt 1999), which are well established as shared care records in the UK for maternity (Elbourne et al. 1987; Lovell et al.…”