Palliative radiotherapy knowledge among community family physicians and nurses

Background. Primary care physicians and nurses care for patients with advanced cancer and need to be aware of the role for palliative radiotherapy (PR). Methods. We surveyed 250 family physicians, family medicine residents, and nurses attending oncology educational symposia to determine their knowledge of PR. Results. The survey response rate was 59%, and most respondents (77%) were involved with the care of cancer patients. Many (58%) thought that their knowledge of PR was insufficient for their needs. Although bone metastasis and spinal cord compression were frequently recognized indications for PR, only 50% of other assessed indications for PR were correctly identified. Almost all respondents stated that they wanted to learn more about PR. Conclusions. More education regarding PR is required for primary care physicians and nurses caring for cancer patients.