RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Faecal immunochemical test for suspected colorectal cancer symptoms: patient survey of usability and acceptability
JF BJGP Open
JO BJGP Open
FD Royal College of General Practitioners
SP BJGPO.2021.0102
DO 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0102
A1 Theo Georgiou Delisle
A1 Nigel D'Souza
A1 Bethan Davies
A1 Sally Benton
A1 Michelle Chen
A1 Helen Ward
A1 Muti Abulafi
A1 ,
YR 2022
UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2022/01/10/BJGPO.2021.0102.abstract
AB Background Recent evidence suggests that the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) can rule out colorectal cancer (CRC) in symptomatic patients. To date, there is no research on usability and perception of FIT for these patients.Aim To measure variation in attitudes and perception of FIT in patients with suspected CRC symptoms.Design & setting A cross-sectional survey of a subset of participants of the NICE FIT study.Method A questionnaire was co-developed with patients covering four themes on a Likert scale: FIT feasibility, faecal aversion, patient knowledge, and future intentions. Questionnaire and FIT kits were sent to patients with suspected CRC symptoms participating in the NICE FIT study. Logistic regression explored differences in patients’ test perception by ethnic group, language, age, location, deprivation, FIT use, and previous experience.Results A total of 1151 questionnaires were analysed; 90.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 88.3% to 91.8%) of patients found faecal collection straightforward, 76.3% (95% CI = 73.7% to 78.6%) disagreed FIT was unhygienic, and 78.1% (95% CI = 75.6% to 80.4%) preferred FIT to colonoscopy. Preference for FIT over colonoscopy was weaker in patients aged 40–64 years than those >65 years (odds ratio [OR] 0.60; 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.84). Intention to use FIT again was stronger in patients who successfully used FIT than those unsuccessful (OR 11.08; 95% CI = 2.74 to 44.75), and white compared with non-white patients assessed (OR 3.20; 95% CI = 1.32 to 7.75).Conclusion While most patients found FIT practical and hygienic, perception differences were found. Strategies to engage patients with more negative FIT perception should underpin symptomatic FIT pathways.