Implementing and Sustaining Early Cancer Diagnosis Initiatives in Canada: An Exploratory Qualitative Study

Autor: Christine Fahim, Larkin Davenport Huyer, Tom (Taehoon) Lee, Anubha Prashad, Robyn Leonard, Satya Rashi Khare, Jennifer Stiff, Jennifer Chadder, Sharon E. Straus
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2021
Předmět:
Zdroj: Current Oncology, Vol 28, Iss 6, Pp 4341-4356 (2021)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 28060369
1718-7729
1198-0052
DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28060369
Popis: Background: The interval between suspected cancer and diagnosis for symptomatic patients is often fragmented, leading to diagnosis delays and increased patient stress. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study to explore barriers and facilitators to implementing and sustaining current initiatives across Canada that optimize early cancer diagnosis, with particular relevance for symptomatic patients. Methods: The national study included a document review and key informant interviews with purposefully recruited participants. Data were analyzed by two researchers using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: Twenty-two participants from eight provinces participated in key informant interviews and reported on 17 early cancer diagnosis initiatives. Most initiatives (88%) were in early phases of implementation. Two patient-facing and eight provider/organization barriers to implementation (e.g., lack of stakeholder buy-in and limited resources) and five facilitators for implementation and sustainability were identified. Opportunities to improve early cancer diagnosis initiatives included building relationships with stakeholders, co-creating initiatives, developing initiatives for Indigenous and underserved populations, optimizing efficiency and sustainability, and standardizing metrics to evaluate impact. Conclusion: Early cancer diagnosis initiatives in Canada are in early implementation phases. Lack of stakeholder buy-in and limited resources pose a challenge to sustainability. We present opportunities for funders and policymakers to optimize the use and potential impact of early cancer diagnosis initiatives.
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals