The general practitioner is responsible for: providing patients with information that clearly describes to whom they are being referred, the reason for referral and the expected timeframes for appointments requesting that patients notify them if the specialist has not been in contact within the expected timeframe considering referral options for patients living rurally or remotely…

The patient’s general practitioner should consider an individualised supportive care assessment where appropriate to identify the needs of an individual, their carer and family. Refer to appropriate support services as required. See validated screening tools mentioned in Principle 4 ‘Supportive care’. A number of specific needs may arise for patients at this time: assistance for…

The lead clinician has these communication responsibilities: involving the general practitioner from the point of diagnosis ensuring regular and timely communication with the general practitioner about the diagnosis, treatment plan and recommendations from MDMs supporting the role of general practice both during and after treatment discussing shared or team care arrangements with general practitioners or…

When moderate or severe symptoms are present in MM as a differential diagnosis, the general practitioner should review promptly (within two days) to avoid missing a medical emergency such as severe hypercalcaemia, renal failure or spinal cord compression. In non-urgent cases where investigations are done in general practice, the general practitioner should have results, review…

There is no indication for screening for MM in the general population. But patients with MGUS or smouldering myeloma require regular monitoring to assess for possible progression to MM.

If MM is suspected, diagnostic and staging investigations should be complete within two weeks of the first consult by the haematologist or specialist treating centre, or sooner depending on clinical urgency.

See validated screening tools mentioned in Principle 4 ‘Supportive care’. A number of specific challenges and needs may arise for patients at this time: assistance for dealing with psychological and emotional distress while adjusting to the diagnosis; treatment phobias; existential concerns; stress; difficulties making treatment decisions; anxiety or depression or both; psychosexual issues such as…

Although having a first-degree relative with MM increases the risk of developing MM, no causative genes have been identified. Genetic screening is not indicated for family members of people with MM.