Investigating participation in the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program through general practice: a survey on practices, challenges and digital opportunities.

Abstract

Objectives Promoting the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in general practice has been identified as an effective strategy to increase participation rates. Despite the positive influence general practitioners (GPs) have on patient decision-making, program endorsement is not routinely included within the national program's policy and practice. The aim of this study was to gain a comprehensive understanding of knowledge, health promotion strategies and the challenges/opportunities for general practice staff to support patient participation and navigation through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program pathways. Study type A 52-item online cross-sectional survey. Methods A total of 320 general practice clinics in the Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Queensland, Australia received a direct invitation via email to participate. The survey contained items on knowledge, health promotion strategies and challenges/opportunities to endorse participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, including enquiry about the utilisation of electronic medical records. Results Eighty-eight individuals participated, including GPs, practice managers and practice nurses. Of GPs, 96.2% indicated they were likely to promote the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program to patients. Few participants used systems to identify/notify patients due for screening, and over half indicated that Medicare reimbursements (56.8%) and electronic systems for identifying eligible or overdue patients (53.4%) would support their ability to promote the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in routine practice. Conclusion Early detection and treatment of bowel cancer is a public health priority in Australia and internationally. Findings highlight the willingness of staff to promote participation; however, the need for incentivisation and streamlined software integration to identify and prompt eligible patients to screen through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program remains. These findings contribute new evidence regarding the resources, preferences and system-level requirements needed to support routine GP endorsement of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.