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Clearer survivorship plans and better education were identified as key needs to help PCPs optimize care for cancer survivors. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study published in the June 2025 issue of Journal of Cancer Survivorship to examine primary care providers’ (PCPs) preferences, needs, and perceived barriers related to treatment summaries and survivorship care plans (TS/SCPs) in supporting cancer survivor care.  

They performed semi-structured video interviews with primary care providers’ from practice networks in the Pacific Northwest. A codebook was created using the interview guide as a framework. Directed content analysis was applied to evaluate reported challenges, needed support, and feedback on TS/SCPs.  

The results showed that qualitative interviews were completed with 18 PCPs, of whom 72% were female and 94% identified as non-Hispanic White. A total of 56% practiced in urban settings, with clinical experience ranging from 0.5 to 47 years (median: 4.5 years). The PCPs frequently expressed uncertainty about appropriate surveillance for cancer survivors and identified a need for additional education. Preferred elements in TS/SCPs included a detailed surveillance schedule and integration into the electronic health record. Electronic consultation was also noted as a potentially valuable communication tool among healthcare providers.  

Investigators concluded that PCPs required additional education on cancer surveillance and long-term effects and favored easy access to TS/SCPs within the electronic health record to enhance survivorship care. 

Source: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11764-025-01852-y