Supplementing factual information with patient narratives in the cancer screening context: a qualitative study of acceptability and preferences

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore people's responses to narrative information in the context of colorectal cancer screening.DesignNineteen in‐depth interviews were conducted with men and women (aged 45–59). Participants were given two types of colorectal screening information to read: factual and narrative. Participants gave their views on both types of information. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis.ResultsThe most frequent responses to the narrative information were that they were reassuring, made colorectal screening more vivid, participants could relate to the people in the stories and they liked the range of narratives presented. Despite the narrative information being seen as more persuasive by some, this was not regarded as manipulative or negative. Both types of information were seen as equally credible. Participants felt a combination of facts and narratives would be useful when considering an offer of colorectal cancer screening.ConclusionOverall, participants were positive about the addition of narrative information to the currently provided factual information about colorectal cancer screening. Supplementing existing factual information with narrative information may provide participants with a more complete understanding of participation in colorectal cancer screening when considering an offer to be screened.

Men's information‐seeking behavior regarding cancer risk and screening: A meta‐narrative systematic review

“…Men passively acquired information in 13 studies: 4 quantitative, 2 qualitative, and 1 mixed‐methods study on prostate cancer screening; 3 qualitative studies and 1 quantitative study on colorectal cancer screening; 1 quantitative study on human papilloma virus and anorectal cancer prevention; and 1 qualitative study on general cancer information …”

“…Four qualitative studies addressed facilitators to seeking colorectal cancer screening information . Bennett et al found that factual information about colorectal cancer made screening less abstract .…”

“…Four qualitative studies addressed facilitators to seeking colorectal cancer screening information. 51,52,62,64 Bennett et al found that factual information about colorectal cancer made screening less abstract. 51 Moreover, men belonging to 3 different ethnic groups (ie, African American, English Caribbean, and Haitian) recommended pamphlets at the doctor 0 s office, group sessions, and information and educational materials that are visual.…”

“…51,52,62,64 Bennett et al found that factual information about colorectal cancer made screening less abstract. 51 Moreover, men belonging to 3 different ethnic groups (ie, African American, English Caribbean, and Haitian) recommended pamphlets at the doctor 0 s office, group sessions, and information and educational materials that are visual. 64 Other facilitators included using real people in narratives to make screening more vivid, 51 leaflets with information about fecal occult blood testing, 62 having a friend or a family member with cancer, and using social networks to raise awareness.…”

How narratives influence colorectal cancer screening decision making and uptake: A realist review

“…Of the 15 included studies, one study used a qualitative design, two studies used a mixed methods design, and twelve studies used a quantitative design. Of these twelve studies, nine used a randomized (controlled) trial design.…”