Barriers and facilitators to colonoscopy following fecal immunochemical test screening for colorectal cancer: A key informant interview study. Issue 6 (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kerrison, Robert S.; Travis, Elizabeth; Dobson, Christina; Whitaker, Katriina L.; Rees, Colin J; Duffy, Stephen W; von Wagner, Christian
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 105:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1652
• Page End: 1662
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Colonoscopy -- Screening -- Early diagnosis -- Fecal immunochemical test -- Qualitative research -- Interviews; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2021.09.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Highlights: A range of practical, psychological & social barriers to colonoscopy were reported. Psychological barriers (e.g., fear of pain) were considered to be the most pertinent. Several new barriers, including fear of getting and spreading COVID were described. The results advocate a multifaceted approach to reducing barriers to colonoscopy. Providing information on the risk of COVID might increase uptake during lockdowns. 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.