Co-designing a general practice-led intervention and implementation strategy to increase bowel cancer screening...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is crucial for reducing disease burden.
• General practice involvement significantly improves screening uptake and outcomes.
• The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) aims to increase CRC screening rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Australian general practice stakeholders' current involvement in the NBCSP.
• To assess stakeholders' views on the feasibility and applicability of evidence-based interventions for CRC screening support.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study using 12 focus groups with 45 participants (GPs, practice nurses, staff).
• Analysis guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Main Results:

• GP involvement in NBCSP is hindered by system limitations, time, and competing priorities.
• Stakeholders are willing to support screening but don't prioritize the NBCSP.
• A multi-component intervention (risk assessment, reminders, system/workflow enhancement, education) was deemed feasible if implementation barriers are addressed.

Conclusions:

• General practice stakeholders recognize their potential to enhance NBCSP support and reduce CRC impact.
• A general practice-led intervention to promote an enhanced role is acceptable.
• Intervention success requires integration, simplicity, time-efficiency, incentives, and a whole-of-practice approach.