The lead clinician has these communication responsibilities:

• involving the general practitioner from the point of diagnosis
• ensuring regular and timely (within two weeks of the decision about management) communication with the general practitioner about the diagnosis, treatment plan and recommendations from MDMs and inviting them to participate in MDMs (consider using virtual mechanisms)
• supporting the role of general practice both during and after treatment
• discussing shared or team care arrangements with general practitioners or regional melanoma specialists, or both, together with the patient.

Refer to Principle 6 ‘Communication’ for communication skills training programs and resources.