Referring patients with suspected lung cancer: a qualitative study with primary healthcare professionals in Ireland.

ABSTRACT: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death globally. Most cases are diagnosed late. Primary healthcare professionals are often the first point of contact for symptoms of concern. This study explored primary healthcare professionals' experience of referring individuals with signs and symptoms suggestive of lung cancer along the appropriate healthcare pathway and explored strategies to help primary healthcare professionals detect lung cancer early. Focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with 36 general practitioners, community pharmacists, practice nurses, and public health nurses. Data were analysed thematically. Participants identified typical lung cancer signs and symptoms such as cough and coughing up blood (i.e., haemoptysis) as triggers for referral. Atypical/non-s

SUBMITTER: Saab MM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9271233 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature