Patient and clinician recommendations to improve communication and understanding of lung cancer screening results

Chest. 2022 Oct 6:S0012-3692(22)03908-3. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2022.09.038. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTBACKGROUND: Patient understanding of low-dose chest CT (LDCT) results for lung cancer screening (LCS) may impact outcomes.RESEARCH QUESTION: What are patient- and clinician-identified gaps in understanding and communication of LCS results and how might communication be improved through a patient-oriented tool?STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a mixed-methods study of participants recruited from a multi-site LCS Program to understand knowledge gaps after receiving LCS results and to guide development of a commonly asked questions (CAQ) after LCS information sheet. Initial patient surveys assessed understanding and reactions to LCS results (n=190). We then conducted patient interviews and focus group discussions (n=31) to understand experiences receiving LDCT results and reactions to results letters and the proposed CAQ; we also interviewed clinicians (n=6) for feedback on these resources. We summarized survey responses and used thematic analysis to identify major themes in focus groups and interviews.RESULTS: Of 190 survey respondents (43% response rate), although 88% agreed that they "understood" their LCS results, only 55% reported understanding what a lung nodule is. Approximately two-thirds thought it was "very important" to receive more information regarding lung nodules and incidental lung and heart disease. In interviews and focus groups, while patients felt bri...
Source: Chest - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Source Type: research