Training General Practitioners in Oncology: A Needs Assessment Survey From Nepal

Abstract

PURPOSE Nepal lacks enough cancer care providers to address the growing burden of cancer in the country. One way of addressing this issue is to train general practitioners (GPs) in oncology (GPOs) so that they can task-share and task-shift oncology care. However, limited information is available regarding the current level of oncology expertise of Nepali GPs and whether they perceive a need for, and have an interest in, such a GPO training program if available in Nepal. METHODS A survey was distributed to GPs in Nepal to collect data on current oncology training and clinical practice and evaluate levels of interest and need for a GPO training program. The survey was distributed electronically from February to July 2021. RESULTS The survey obtained 71 individual responses from GPs in Nepal. The majority of respondents were male (87%), and most worked as consultants or senior consultants (63%). Only 6% of respondents had a mandatory oncology rotation during their GP training, and only 15% indicated that their GP training had adequately prepared them to care for patients with cancer. Ninety-six percent of respondents perceived a need for a GPO training program in Nepal, with 94% indicating an interest in enrolling in such a program and 71% indicating that they were very interested. CONCLUSION The findings indicate an urgent need for and an encouraging interest in establishing a GPO training program in Nepal. These findings will be used to guide the development and implementation of this type of program.

Patterns of follow‐up care in adult blood cancer survivors—Prospective evaluation of health‐related outcomes, resource use, and quality of life

“…In many countries, primary care physicians feel insufficiently trained, informed and equipped to provide comprehensive follow-up care. 36,40,41,45 This is in line with our observation that, despite a multitude of primary care providers named as follow-up physicians by their patients, only a minority played a dominant role. Those who did tended to rely on information received from others to provide adequate care.…”

“…Third, primary care providers participating in the ABC study were likely a selection of physicians with exceptional skills and motivations. In many countries, primary care physicians feel insufficiently trained, informed and equipped to provide comprehensive follow‐up care 36,40,41,45 . This is in line with our observation that, despite a multitude of primary care providers named as follow‐up physicians by their patients, only a minority played a dominant role.…”

“…Those who did tended to rely on information received from others to provide adequate care. A recent report from Canada demonstrates that primary care providers can play a more important role in follow‐up care, if they receive adequate training 45 . Whether this also applies to hematological diseases with a high risk of relapse and late complications, remains to be shown.…”

Training General Practitioners in Oncology: Lessons Learned From a Cross-Sectional Survey of GPOs in Canada

“…We previously conducted a survey of Nepali GPs and found a need and interest for GPO training programs in Nepal. 12 Interestingly, both Nepali GPs and Canadian FPs gained the most experience during medical oncology rotation. However, Nepali GPs were exposed to cancer care mostly in inpatient settings, whereas the Canadian FPs were trained in mostly outpatient settings.…”

“… 8 , 9 Our team previously conducted a survey among general practitioners (GPs) in Nepal and found a strong need and an enthusiastic interest for a GPO training program in Nepal. 12 As a foundation for developing the curriculum for a training program in Nepal, we conducted a survey of GPOs working in Canada to learn from their training and work experiences.…”