Identifying modifiable features of home bowel cancer screening kits to facilitate use: consumer perspectives

Abstract

Objectives: Despite the widely publicised health benefits of participation in bowel cancer screening, only 43.5% of recipients participate in the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP). Through consultation with kit recipients, this study aimed to identify features of home bowel screening kits that could be modified to increase their use.Method: Participants (n = 25) were presented with nine different bowel cancer screening kits and asked to identify features of each kit that might prevent or promote their use. Responses were coded using content analysis, and a narrative synthesis is presented summarising preferences relating to each element of the kit.Results: Six modifiable elements were identified: collection tool, collection sheet, specimen container, instruction, packaging and processes. Participant preferences were for collection devices that limited the users' proximity to faecal matter, smaller packaging, simpler processes and step-by-step pictorial instructions. Responses regarding aesthetics, the amount of information included and receiving immediate results were mixed. Conclusions:Findings provide several consumer-driven recommendations, which are to be tested in future research aimed at improving the acceptability and usability of kits distributed in population bowel cancer screening programs.

Can we do better? A qualitative study in the East of England investigating patient experience and acceptability of using the faecal immunochemical test in primary care

“…Consistent with existing literature (although mostly investigating asymptomatic populations), FIT is seen as relatively straightforward with clear instructions 23–25 27. Nonetheless, similar challenges to collecting the sample were reported including difficulties writing the label and handling the FIT stick 24 26. Familiarity with stool tests is associated with higher intentions to use related tests in the future, aligning with the confidence displayed by participants with experience of screening 27.…”

“…19 20 Studies conducted in screening contexts have shown that disgust associated with performing stool tests and certain procedural aspects of FIT can present barriers to uptake, however, the test is often found acceptable. [21][22][23][24][25][26] Nonetheless, there is still limited research into FIT experience and acceptability, particularly within the context of symptomatic patients. 27 Understanding both care experience and acceptability is vital to ensure good quality of care for patients.…”

Evaluating changes to home bowel cancer screening kits: an end-user perspective study

“…The current kit used in the NBCSP is depicted on the left-hand side of each panel and the modification to be evaluated by the participant is shown on the right-hand side of each panel. These modifications were based on findings from a previous study [ 14 ]. In that study, a human-centric design approach was taken and consultations with ‘end-users’ (i.e., people who receive an NBCSP testing kit) were conducted to identify what aspects of home FOBT screening kits could be modified to increase usability [ 14 ].…”

“…These modifications were based on findings from a previous study [ 14 ]. In that study, a human-centric design approach was taken and consultations with ‘end-users’ (i.e., people who receive an NBCSP testing kit) were conducted to identify what aspects of home FOBT screening kits could be modified to increase usability [ 14 ].

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