2.4 Support and communication
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 dealing with the emotional distress and/or anger of dealing with a potential cancer diagnosis, anxiety/depression, interpersonal problems and adjustment difficulties
- management of physical symptoms, particularly infections and pain
- encouragement and support to increase levels of exercise (Cormie et al. 2018; Hayes et al. 2019) provided that it’s safe to do so.
For more information refer to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2015 guidelines, Suspected cancer: recognition and referral .
For additional information on supportive care and needs that may arise for different population groups, see Appendices A, B and C.
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
- supporting the patient while waiting for the specialist appointment (Cancer Council and Myeloma Australia nurses are available to act as a point of information and reassurance during the anxious period of awaiting further diagnostic information).
More information
A range of disease-specific support organisations may be available for patients. These include:
- Cancer Council: 13 11 20
- Leukaemia Foundation: 1800 620 420
- Myeloma Australia: 1800 693
Refer to Principle 6 ‘Communication’ for communication skills training programs and resources.