Table 2 Categories, subcategories, and associated findings
CATEGORY | FINDINGS |
|---|---|
Screening awareness and identification of eligible individuals: difficulties determining eligibility | |
Provider | All knew about LCS-LDCT as an option and reported ordering it for eligible patients. Many providers felt that the annual physical was the most appropriate time to offer screening. Providers thought those who currently smoke may show more interest in LCS-LDCT |
Patient | Most were aware of LCS-LDCT. Many patients felt providers should offer this once a year only at an annual physical or visit. In contrast to provider respondents, patients felt those who formerly smoked would be most receptive to LCS-LDCT |
Provider difficulties with eligibility criteria even after creation of a SmartSet | Providers find calculating pack-years to be the most difficult element of determining eligibility. Very few providers knew of or used the SmartSet as a tool to aid in LCS-LDCT |
Patient-provider communication about LCS-LDCT | |
Similar perceived benefits of LCS-LDCT | Most providers cited the main benefit of LCS-LDCT as early detection, while patients most frequently mentioned the benefits of LCS-LDCT as early detection of lung cancer, that it can support smoking cessation, and impact on patient peace of mind |
Pros outweigh cons for LCS-LDCT | Perceived risks commonly noted by both providers and patient for LCS-LDCT were radiation and patient psychological distress. And yet, patients and providers both overwhelming felt that pros outweighed all cons of screening |
Shared Decision Making (SDM) limited to brief conversations about risks and benefits | Providers acknowledged little to no SDM discussion, while no patient could recall one at all, claiming that there was only a little conversation with the provider about risks and benefits |
Providers most influential | Half of patient respondents felt strongly that the most important factor influencing their decision to do the screening was a physician recommendation |
Use of a decision aid handout would benefit providers and patients | Providers and patients were supportive of incorporation of a decision aid. Patients liked a handout that could be delivered ahead of an upcoming visit. Providers were warier of this timing as they worried about it creating additional anxiety and instead wanted information to give in an after-visit summary |