Physician and Staff Perceptions of Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Appalachian Kentucky

Abstract

Our mixed methods approach not only helped to understand the physicians' perceptions of the problems and barriers to CRC screening in Appalachian Kentucky, but also elucidated how practices endeavor to overcome these barriers and identified the additional resources practices would like in order to promote CRC screening.

Patients’ Perceptions of Colorectal Cancer Screening Tests and Preparatory Education in Federally Qualified Health Centers

“…The focus group guide was developed based on previous published studies and contributions from community stakeholders, including FQHC providers [23, 24]. The goal of the focus groups was to assess the following information about FQHC patients: 1) perceptions of factors that impede or motivate CRCS uptake, 2) awareness and receptivity of CRCS options and test-specific perceptions, and 3) preferences for future in-clinic CRCS preparatory education.…”

Primary-care providers’ perceived barriers to integration of genetics services: a systematic review of the literature

“…This encompassed specific barriers related to lack of access to genetics services in general 9,15,19,33 and a specific lack of access to genetic counselors or geneticists. 2,15,22,24,25,37,40,41 PCPs reported an inability to obtain a consultation with clinicians in four studies, noting that the location of the nearest genetics center was too inconvenient for patients to be able to access. 22,24,29,40 Chen et al 29 found that 24% of Alabama pediatricians surveyed were unable to obtain genetics consultations for their patients, 67% said it was difficult or not possible to obtain a face-to-face genetics evaluation, and 58% reported it was difficult or impossible to obtain a remote genetics evaluation.…”

The influence of physicians on colorectal cancer screening behavior

“…Rates of preventive care services (e.g., breast, colorectal, and cervical cancer screening) were highest for clinician-connected patients, even after adjusting for differences in age, sex, race, and ethnicity between connected and non-connected patients [31]. Additional findings from previously published work suggest that fear and embarrassment are two of the most commonly cited patientrelated barriers to screening [28,32]. Thus, establishing trust with patients through effective communication may help to overcome these barriers and therefore increase the rate of CRC screening.…”