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, any specific preventative measures 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 cancer specialists, or both, together with the patient.

More information

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