Centre for Oral Health Outcomes and Research Translation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University/South Western Sydney Local Health District/Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW.
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW.
Fam Pract. 2020 Oct 19;37(5):592-605. doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmaa026.
Oral cancer is a public health concern and is widespread in developing countries, particularly in South Asia. However, oral cancer cases are also rising in developed nations due to various factors, including smoking, viruses and increased migration from South Asia. In this context, the role of general medical practitioners (GPs) in identifying oral cancer is becoming increasingly important and, while some studies have explored their perspective about oral cancer, a synthesis of these results has not been undertaken.
The objective of this integrative review is to synthesize existing evidence regarding oral cancer-related knowledge, attitudes and practices of GPs in developed countries.
Four electronic databases were searched to identify studies focussing on the objective of this review. The inclusion criteria were: peer-reviewed English language publications; studies conducted in developed countries involving GPs; explored at least one study outcome (knowledge/attitudes/practices). No restrictions were placed on the publication date.
A total of 21 studies involving 3409 GPs were reviewed. Most studies revealed limited knowledge of GPs about emerging risk factors, such as betel nut chewing (0.8-50%). Significant variation (7-70%) was evident in routine oral examination practices of GPs. Most GPs felt unsure about diagnosing oral cancer and many (38-94%) raised the need for further education. No study explored the specific relevance of GPs' practices concerning South Asian immigrants.
This review suggests the need for educational programs to enhance GPs' knowledge regarding oral cancer. Further research exploring oral cancer-related practices of GPs caring for South Asian immigrants is warranted.
口腔癌是一个公共卫生关注点，在发展中国家广泛存在，尤其在南亚地区。然而，由于吸烟、病毒以及南亚移民的增加等多种因素，发达国家的口腔癌病例也在上升。在这种情况下，全科医生（GP）在识别口腔癌方面的作用变得越来越重要，虽然已经有一些研究探讨了他们对口腔癌的看法，但尚未对这些结果进行综合分析。
本综合评价旨在综合现有的关于发达国家全科医生口腔癌相关知识、态度和实践的证据。
检索了四个电子数据库，以确定关注本综述目标的研究。纳入标准为：同行评审的英文出版物；在发达国家进行的、涉及全科医生的研究；至少探讨了一个研究结果（知识/态度/实践）。对出版物日期没有限制。
共审查了 21 项涉及 3409 名全科医生的研究。大多数研究表明，全科医生对新兴风险因素（如咀嚼槟榔）的了解有限（0.8-50%）。全科医生常规口腔检查实践存在显著差异（7-70%）。大多数全科医生对诊断口腔癌感到不确定，许多（38-94%）人表示需要进一步教育。没有研究探讨全科医生对南亚移民的实践的具体相关性。
本综述表明需要开展教育项目来提高全科医生对口腔癌的认识。有必要进一步研究关注南亚移民的全科医生口腔癌相关实践。
