Recruiting Regional Primary Care Leads for Cancer Care Ontario

2recognized that primary care providers played a critical role in cancer care throughout the cancer journey. They greatly influenced patient understanding of and participation in cancer screening, and were particularly important players in improving cancer screening and early detection rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer. Family physicians are highly trusted advisers, helping to ensure that the cancer system meets local patient care needs throughout the cancer journey while providing ongoing care to patients and their families. However, up until 2008 family doctors had not traditionally been included by CCO in planning, coordinating, and developing services to improve the quality of care for patients with cancer. In 2007, CCO and the Ontario College of Family Physicians cosponsored a symposium to seek advice from family doctors on how to improve the integration and engagement of primary care and the cancer system. 3 Many recommendations were made, including appointing regional family physician leaders linked to the Regional Cancer Programs. Other jurisdictions have appointed regional primary care leaders integrated into the cancer system. The Uniting Primary Care and Oncology Network in Manitoba is designed to enhance partnerships between family physicians and the cancer system, and “lead FPs” in 18 group practices share electronic cancer care records, small group education, and patient perspectives. 4