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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Christina DobsonORCiD, Professor Colin Rees
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
ObjectivesPeople 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.MethodsAs 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.Results21 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'.ConclusionsA range of barriers and facilitators to follow-up colonoscopy exist. Future studies conducted with patients are needed to further explore barriers to colonoscopy.Practice implicationsStrategies to reduce non-attendance should adopt a multifaceted approach.
Author(s): Kerrison R, Travis E, Dobson C, Whitaker K, Rees C, Duffy S, von Wagner C
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Patient Education and Counselling
Year: 2022
Volume: 105
Issue: 6
Pages: 1652-1662
Print publication date: 01/06/2022
Online publication date: 17/09/2021
Acceptance date: 14/09/2021
Date deposited: 05/10/2021
ISSN (electronic): 0738-3991
Publisher: Elseiver
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2021.09.022
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.09.022
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