A systematic review of interventions to recognise, refer and diagnose patients with lung cancer symptoms

Abstract

Patients with lung cancer (LC) often experience delay between symptom onset and treatment. Primary healthcare professionals (HCPs) can help facilitate early diagnosis of LC through recognising early signs and symptoms and making appropriate referrals. This systematic review describes the effect of interventions aimed at helping HCPs recognise and refer individuals with symptoms suggestive of LC. Seven studies were synthesised narratively. Outcomes were categorised into: Diagnostic intervals; referral and diagnosis patterns; stage distribution at diagnosis; and time interval from diagnosis to treatment. Rapid access pathways and continuing medical education for general practitioners can help reduce LC diagnostic and treatment delay. Awareness campaigns and HCP education can help inform primary HCPs about referral pathways. However, campaigns did not significantly impact LC referral rates or reduce diagnostic intervals. Disease outcomes, such as LC stage at diagnosis, recurrence, and survival were seldom measured. Review findings highlight the need for longitudinal, powered, and controlled studies.

Recruitment strategies and interventions to increase participation in lung cancer screening programmes: a systematic review protocol

“…Some of which focused on gender and social characteristics of participants, 14 while others did not specifically address outreach or uptake-related outcomes. 15 To our knowledge, there is no exhaustive evidence synthesis on effectiveness of interventions to increase LCS uptake in different populations, except for one systematic review that analysed effectiveness of strategies to inform individuals about an LCS programme in optimising informed choices regarding participation. 17…”

Our contribution to systematic review and meta-analysis in primary care respiratory medicine

“…Besides increasing the risk for COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer worldwide. The need to further explore lung cancer management in primary care and develop interventions to recognise, refer and diagnose patients with lung cancer symptoms is discussed by Saab et al 11 .…”