Primary care is a term used for the activity of a health care provider who acts as a first point of consultation for all patients. It describes the health services that play a central role in the local community, such as family doctors (GPs), pharmacists, dentists and midwives. Continuity of care is also a key characteristic of primary care. The primary care of cancer includes:
The WCTU covers trials not only in primary care, but also has trials in cancer therapies and palliative care (management of patient symptoms when curative treatment is no longer suitable). Each of these areas has an associated working group, consisting of expert cancer clinicians and researchers. The Primary Care Working Group is organised by Chris Hurt (Scientific Lead for Primary Care) and chaired by Professor Glyn Elwyn. It meets on a regular basis with the aim of developing trial ideas and providing support for up and coming Chief Investigators. Attendees are invited to present their trial ideas, which are then confidentially discussed. Ideas are either then developed by the researcher or reworked for the next meeting. Experts interested in joining the group and researchers with potential ideas to present to the group should contact Chris Hurt.
Developed ideas can be submitted to the WCTU Trial Review group for consideration for adoption by the WCTU. If adopted, as a CR-UK core funded, NCRI accredited Cancer Trials Unit, we have the resource to:
Tel: 029 2068 7500
Fax: 029 2068 7501