Kerrison, RS, Travis, E orcid.org/0000-0003-1140-1822, Dobson, C et al. (4 more authors) (2022) Barriers and facilitators to colonoscopy following fecal immunochemical test screening for colorectal cancer: A key informant interview study. Patient Education and Counseling, 105 (6). pp. 1652-1662. ISSN 0738-3991
Abstract
Objectives
People who are referred for colonoscopy, following an abnormal colorectal cancer (CRC) screening result, are at increased risk of CRC. Despite this, many individuals decline the procedure. The aim of this study was to investigate why.
Methods
As little is currently known about non-attendance at follow-up colonoscopy, and follow-up of abnormal screening results is a nurse-led process, we decided to conduct key informant interviews with Specialist Screening Practitioners ([SSPs] nurses working in the English Bowel Cancer Screening Program). Interviews were conducted online. Transcripts were assessed using inductive and deductive coding techniques.
Results
21 SSPs participated in an interview. Five main types of barriers and facilitators to colonoscopy were described, namely: Sociocultural, Practical, Psychological, Health-related and COVID-related. Key psychological and sociocultural factors included: ‘Fear of pain and discomfort associated with the procedure’ and ‘Lack of support from family and friends’. Key practical, health-related and COVID-related factors included: ‘Family and work commitments’, ‘Existing health conditions as competing priorities’ and ‘Fear of getting COVID-19 at the hospital'.
Conclusions
A range of barriers and facilitators to follow-up colonoscopy exist. Future studies conducted with patients are needed to further explore barriers to colonoscopy.
Practice implications
Strategies to reduce non-attendance should adopt a multifaceted approach.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. |
Keywords: | Colonoscopy; Screening; Early diagnosis; Fecal immunochemical test; Qualitative research; Interviews |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Psychology (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 22 Nov 2021 10:44 |
Last Modified: | 07 Aug 2022 08:23 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.pec.2021.09.022 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:180285 |