2.4 Support and communication

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 such as diarrhoea
  • monitoring needs for appropriate dietary support such as anti-diarrhoeal medication
  • encouragement and support to increase levels of exercise (Cormie et al. 2018; Hayes et al. 2019).

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. NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia NET Nurse support line 1300 287 363 or support online <https://neuroendocrine.org.au/net-nurse/> and Cancer Council nurses (via 13 11 20) are available to act as a point of information and reassurance during the anxious period of awaiting further diagnostic information.

More information

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