Group consultations for cancer care reviews in general practice

Cancer is a long-term condition, requiring care and support, but with ever-expanding demands on general practice, there are frustrations around how to incorporate this in an already stretched system. This article will explore how this can be managed by using group consultations and the successes that can be gained from a plethora of perspectives—from individuals and families to professionals, communities and populations.

Statistics from Macmillan (2016) show that with advances in treatment, more people are living with and beyond cancer. Following cancer treatment, individuals may have ongoing needs and concerns, including physical, mental, lifestyle and information needs. Those living with and beyond cancer may not have been systematically followed up in primary care in the current system. As part of the mandated Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) (NHS Digital, 2019) in general practice, cancer care reviews are financially rewarded for one single review within 6 months after a cancer diagnosis. After this one-off review, no further review is needed to comply with the QOF framework (NHS Digital, 2019). This means those living with and beyond cancer in the community may only receive follow up around concerns by booking self-initiated appointments with their GP, advanced clinical practitioner or practice nurse. Some individuals, but not all, may still have access to cancer nurse specialists for self-initiated follow-up over any concerns they have.