Year: 2021
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Rationale: Lung cancer screening (LCS) using annual low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is recommended for people at high risk of developing lung cancer. Little is known about longitudinal patient perspectives after their LDCT for LCS. Understanding perspectives about the LCS experience may help augment patient-clinician communication surrounding LCS. Methods: Qualitative evaluation of patients' experiences (n=62) after the LDCT, with a focus on: LDCT logistics and communication based on a patient-centered communication theoretical model. The visits occurred one month and twelve months after LDCT if accepted or after baseline interview if LDCT was declined. We included patients from three institutions with established LCS programs; two Veteran's Affairs (VA) and one non-VA. We used conventional content analysis. Results: Fifty-two participants accepted screening and ten did not. Nearly all participants who accepted screening reported no substantial barriers to obtaining the LDCT. A few participants needed to delay their scan due to lack of a LDCT order, but this did not seem to influence overall satisfaction. Most participants reported receiving the results "faster than expected" and were able to verbalize their follow up plan to the interviewer. At the non-VA site, participants were given their results in person immediately following the LDCT. Highest satisfaction was reported with this method. At the other sites results were sent by mail and/or phone by LCS coordinators. Patients were generally satisfied with the amount and quality of information provided. Participants did not express a preference regarding who informed them of their results, regardless of whether a nodule was found, and identified their primary care provider (PCP) as the clinician they would contact if they had questions or concerns, and felt comfortable doing so. Participants largely reported feeling some relief after getting their results, even if they did not report worry or distress prior to receiving results. Participants had some worry while waiting for the LDCT results, but they also felt the LCS process was worth the potential harms, "it's kind of a blessing really, that if there's a problem they have a better chance of recovering from itif it's caught early." Patients expressed trust in their providers and the system to make recommendations about and support follow up. Conclusions: Patients undergoing an LDCT for LCS were satisfied with information exchange about LDCT results. Although they expressed worry about getting LDCT results, they felt the potential benefit was worth the potential harms, and endorsed satisfaction and trust in their providers.
Authors: L. Schweiger, S. Golden, C.G. Slatore
Institutions: Portland VA Medical Center, VA Portland Health Care System
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4255754140