The Role of Family Physicians in Palliative Care: Perspectives of Patients with Advanced Cancer

Introduction: Early palliative care is recommended for advanced cancer patients and can be provided by family physicians(FPs). This study examines patient perspectives of FPs’ palliative care involvement. Methods: Advanced cancer patients attending an Oncology Palliative Care Clinic(OPCC) completed a survey about FP involvement. Eligible patients were English-speaking, ≥18years old, had >1prior OPCC visit, passed a cognitive screen, and had a FP within 5years. Results: Of 79 patients, 58%(46/79) were female; mean age was 58.25±13.11. Seventy-seven(97.5%) currently had a FP and 33%(26/79) had seen them recently for palliative care. As hypothesized, most patients preferred to receive palliative care from their palliative care physician. Possible barriers to FP-provided palliative care included lack of knowledge of FP services, timely access to care, and perceived role of the FP. Conclusion: Patients were overall engaged with their FPs but many had not seen their FP for palliative care. Possible barriers to this care were identified.M.Sc