Referring patients with suspected lung cancer: a qualitative study with primary healthcare professionals in Ireland

• DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daac088
• Publication Date: 2022-07-10T10:55:58Z
• Authors: Mohamad M Saab; Michelle O’Driscoll; Serena FitzGerald; Laura J Sahm; Patricia Leahy-Wa...; Brendan Noonan; Caroline Kilty; Maria O’Malley; Noreen Lyons; Heather E Burns; Una Kennedy; Áine Lyng; Josephine Hegarty
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; Lung Neoplasms; 0302 clinical medicine; Primary Health Care; General Practitioners; Humans; Ireland; Article; Qualitative Research; 3. Good health

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death globally. Most cases are diagnosed late. Primary healthcare professionals often first point contact for symptoms concern. This study explored primary professionals' experience referring individuals with signs and suggestive lung along appropriate pathway strategies to help detect early. Focus groups individual interviews were conducted 36 general practitioners, community pharmacists, practice nurses, public health nurses. Data analysed thematically. Participants identified typical such as cough coughing up blood (i.e., haemoptysis) triggers referral. Atypical/non-specific back pain, pallor, abnormal tests perceived difficult interpret. refrained from using word 'cancer' during conversations patients. Ireland's Rapid Access Clinics underused, some practitioners patients these clinics only when clear definitive noted. Lack communication resulting disruption in continuity care suspected highlighted system flaws. Education on early referral can be form communications professional organizations, webinars, interdisciplinary meetings, education by specialists, patient testimonials. checklists algorithms should simple, clear, visually appealing, either developed standalone tools or embedded into existing software/programmes.