Il bambino con patologia tumorale. L’esperienza dei pediatri di libera scelta del Friuli-Venezia giulia

63 family paediatricians (FPs) of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region have been involved in a survey aimed at investigating their role in the diagnosis and case-management of 65 cases of childhood cancer, including their relationship with the family and the tertiary care centre. In 75% of cases the FPs played a crucial role in the diagnosis. FPs were actively and regularly involved in the case-management. However, the survey showed that the collaboration between the FPs and the tertiary care centre can be improved: the latter only rarely informs the FPs about diagnostic confirmation and FPs do not participate in the communication of diagnosis. Based on these findings, a project to involve peripheral hospitals and FPs in the care of children with cancer and to expand the opportunities for home care has been developed.