Trish Green1, Karl Atkin2, Una Macleod3. 1. Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK. 2. Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK. 3. Primary Care, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Public awareness campaigns for cancer are used to alert the UK population to symptoms which, if experienced, should be discussed with their general practitioner (GP). More timely diagnosis of cancer is assumed possible if patients with the appropriate symptoms present to GPs and GPs recognise the need to act on these symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To investigate GPs' perceptions and experiences of public awareness campaigns for cancer. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 55 GPs from practices in the North and North East of England and Greater London. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Repeated reading of GP transcripts engendered thematic analysis and co-coding ensured legitimacy of findings. RESULTS: Participants supported the underpinning ethos of public health campaigns and articulated a commitment to engaging with patients with respect to cancer warning signs and symptoms despite the common perception that public awareness campaigns increased numbers of consultations. Tensions were evident with regard to increased demands on GP time and primary care resources during a period of major upheaval within the NHS. Concern was raised that some patients remain outwith the reach of campaign messages. The complexity of addressing how public health messages compete with other issues in people's lives was identified as challenging. CONCLUSIONS: General practitioners provided insight into why some members of the general public do not engage with public health messages. Public health/primary care interaction that incorporates GPs' knowledge of their patient populations could advance the search for solutions to a more robust approach to earlier cancer recognition and referral in primary care.
BACKGROUND: Public awareness campaigns for cancer are used to alert the UK population to symptoms which, if experienced, should be discussed with their general practitioner (GP). More timely diagnosis of cancer is assumed possible if patients with the appropriate symptoms present to GPs and GPs recognise the need to act on these symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To investigate GPs' perceptions and experiences of public awareness campaigns for cancer. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with 55 GPs from practices in the North and North East of England and Greater London. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Repeated reading of GP transcripts engendered thematic analysis and co-coding ensured legitimacy of findings. RESULTS:Participants supported the underpinning ethos of public health campaigns and articulated a commitment to engaging with patients with respect to cancer warning signs and symptoms despite the common perception that public awareness campaigns increased numbers of consultations. Tensions were evident with regard to increased demands on GP time and primary care resources during a period of major upheaval within the NHS. Concern was raised that some patients remain outwith the reach of campaign messages. The complexity of addressing how public health messages compete with other issues in people's lives was identified as challenging. CONCLUSIONS: General practitioners provided insight into why some members of the general public do not engage with public health messages. Public health/primary care interaction that incorporates GPs' knowledge of their patient populations could advance the search for solutions to a more robust approach to earlier cancer recognition and referral in primary care.
Authors: Rob Bethune; Morwena J Marshall; Stephen J Mitchell; Chris Oppong; Mark T Cartmel; Ponnandai J Arumugam; Andrew S Gee; Ian R Daniels Journal: Postgrad Med J Date: 2013-04-09 Impact factor: 2.401
Authors: Olufikayo O Bamidele; Trish Green; Sara Tookey; Julie Walabyeki; Una Macleod Journal: Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) Date: 2022-03-15 Impact factor: 2.328
Authors: Michael Harris; Hans Thulesius; Ana Luísa Neves; Sophie Harker; Tuomas Koskela; Davorina Petek; Robert Hoffman; Mette Brekke; Krzysztof Buczkowski; Nicola Buono; Emiliana Costiug; Geert-Jan Dinant; Gergana Foreva; Eva Jakob; Mercè Marzo-Castillejo; Peter Murchie; Jolanta Sawicka-Powierza; Antonius Schneider; Emmanouil Smyrnakis; Sven Streit; Gordon Taylor; Peter Vedsted; Birgitta Weltermann; Magdalena Esteva Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-09-24 Impact factor: 2.692