Background
Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low dose CT scan (LDCT) is effective at reducing lung cancer mortality in high risk current and former smokers. Despite being recommended by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), few eligible patients are screened. We set out to study the barriers to LCS by surveying primary care physicians (PCPs).
Methods
We surveyed a randomly selected sample of 1384 eligible primary care physicians (PCPs) between January and October 2015, using the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile, though surveys sent by mail, fax, and email. The survey included questions regarding knowledge of LCS guidelines, utilization of LCS over the prior 12 months, and perceptions of barriers to LCS. Training background, years in practice, practice type, and demographics were also collected.
Results
The survey response rate was 18%. Responders and non-responders did not differ by practice and demographic characteristics. 47% indicated that LCS was recommended by the USPSTF. 52% had referred any patient for LDCT and 12% had referred any patient to a LCS program over the prior 12 months. Perceived barriers to LCS included uncertainty regarding benefit of LCS, concern regarding insurance coverage, and harms of LCS.
Conclusions
Although LCS is recommended by USPSTF, LDCT is utilized in a minority of eligible patients, as reported by surveyed PCPs. About half of PCPs are familiar with USPSTF recommendations for LCS and a number of physician barriers to guideline adherence exist. Additional study on physician and system based interventions to improve adherence with LCS recommendations is needed.