The impact of a well breast cancer patient transition model of care on oncologists’ practice.

39Background: The transitioning of well breast cancer patients, post-treatment, to family physicians is accepted as a safe and effective model of care. Numerous studies have focused on patients’ experience and health outcomes, but research has not examined the experience of oncologists who are practicing in this model of care. The purpose of this research is to explore the impact of a transition model of care on oncologists’ practice. Methods: Purposive sampling was employed to recruit and interview oncologists who have been transitioning patients to family physicians for two or more years. A total of 15 medical and radiation oncologists practicing in Ontario, Canada were interviewed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Most oncologists interviewed were confident that the transitioning of patients to family physicians is safe for many patients post-treatment. Despite some concerns about the feasibility of the model, namely acceptance of the model among patients and family physicians, onco...