'I had to tell my GP I had lung cancer': patient perspectives of hospital- and community-based lung cancer care.

Lung cancer care spans both hospital- and community-based healthcare settings, and suboptimal communication between healthcare providers impacts on continuity and quality of care. Patients' experiences regarding: (1) communication between healthcare providers; and (2) the role of their GP during cancer treatment was explored in interviews with 47 Western Australian lung cancer patients. Thematic analysis using a phenomenological approach was undertaken to derive key themes regarding participant experiences. Poor communication between hospital cancer specialists (HCSs) influenced participants' treatment choices and perceptions of the quality of their care. Information provided by HCSs to GPs was often delayed or incomplete, and many participants perceived themselves as a messenger between healthcare settings. Participants' opinions about the GP role during cancer treatment ranged from 'no role' to an 'active member of the treating team'. A new model of cancer care is needed where the GP is considered part of the treating team. Early involvement of GPs and two-way communication between hospital and primary care during the disease continuum is required for this to occur. Lung cancer care occurs in the hospital and the community and good communication between all healthcare providers is essential. Many patients experienced delayed or incomplete communication practices and reported the burden of information transfer falling on them. Most patients wanted their GP to be well informed about their cancer care. Early GP involvement and two-way communication between health professionals looking after lung cancer patients is needed to support patients in their journey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]