Patients' needs after radiotherapy, the role of the general practitioner

This study assessed the physical and psychosocial sequelae of radical radiotherapy among patients with bladder or prostate cancer and investigated the support received from community health services. When interviewed two months after treatment, over half reported that they had experienced several physical side-effects as well as curtailment of social and everyday activities. Such side-effects were still being experienced by up to half the patients at the time of interview. Seventy-one per cent were unprepared for the duration and type of such effects. Most had seen their general practitioner in connection with their side-effects and 76% felt that this contact had been helpful. Patients appreciated the willingness to spend time listening to their concerns and explaining side-effects, as well as accessibility and flexibility which made it easy to obtain advice and support. Patients who expressed dissatisfaction with their general practitioner all felt that they should have been visited at home. The study suggests that general practitioners can play a valuable role in meeting patients' needs after radiotherapy.