Shared Decision Making in Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is crucial but underutilized, with over a third of eligible individuals not participating.
• Confusion regarding appropriate screening test types presents a significant barrier to adequate CRC screening.
• Shared decision making (SDM) facilitates informed patient choices about CRC screening and test selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of literature on shared decision making (SDM) in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.
• To identify key factors influencing patient decisions regarding CRC screening tests.

Main Methods:

• Searched four databases for peer-reviewed English publications from January 1, 2010, to May 18, 2024.
• Included studies focused on SDM in CRC screening for average-risk adults (45-75) in the US and Canada.
• Two researchers screened titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, analyzing themes impacting screening test choice.

Main Results:

• Twenty-eight studies were included from 5672 unique records.
• Four major themes emerged in SDM for CRC screening: knowledge of tests, clinician recommendations, emotional considerations, and external factors.
• Patient decisions were influenced by family information and logistical aspects of the chosen screening test.

Conclusions:

• Future research should explore the impact of external factors on screening decisions.
• Addressing patient emotions and acknowledging their significance in CRC screening decisions is vital.