An evaluation of a Macmillan GP clinical facilitator project: the post-holders' perspective

Abstract

There is evidence to suggest that GPs experience significant difficulties associated with lack of support from, and communication with, hospital and other specialists in palliative care. The establishment of cancer and palliative care facilitator schemes by Macmillan Cancer Relief reflects these current concerns very clearly. This paper presents some of the findings from the first phase of an evaluation of one such GP facilitator scheme in the Welsh county of Powys. It examines the perceptions and expectations of GP facilitator post-holders during the first year of the facilitator scheme, based upon data gathered from qualitive interviews conducted on three separate occasions. The picture that emerges from the first year of this facilitator project is broadly a positive one. Facilitators have tailored their roles to fit in with and augment the practices with which they deal. Attitudes vary, but their goals of facilitation and education appear similar. Themain challenges facing post-holders is that of being aware of the possible existence of professional rivalries whilst developing their role in ways which do not encroach upon the territories of long-established colleagues.