Perceptions of and Barriers to Lung Cancer Screening Among Physicians in Puerto Rico: A Qualitative Study

• Published in: Journal of health care for the poor and underserved 2020-01, Vol.31 (2), p.973-991
• Main Authors: Rodríguez-Rabassa, Mary S, Simmons, Vani N, Vega, Agueda, Moreno, Daniela, Irizarry-Ramos, Jessica, Quinn, Gwendolyn P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computed tomography; Focus groups; Health care; Health care policy; High risk; Insurance; Insurance coverage; Lung cancer; Medicaid; Medical referrals; Medical screening; Mortality; Physicians; Primary care; Qualitative research; Smoking; Tomography
• ISSN: 1049-2089; 1548-6869; 1548-6869
• DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2020.0072

Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), an accepted U.S. screening tool for early lung cancer detection, is not widely-used in Puerto Rico. We investigated knowledge and attitudes about LDCT in focus groups of primary care physicians (PCP) and individuals at high risk for lung cancer (HRI) in Puerto Rico. Transcribed/translated audio-recorded discussions were analyzed with the constant comparison method. Both groups had limited knowledge about LDCT and concerns regarding insurance coverage. Most HRIs had never had a provider recommend LDCT and believed that having symptoms was necessary to obtain LDCT screening. Perceived barriers included fears about results and the procedure; a perceived benefit was having early detection and possibly being cured. Few PCPs had ever recommended LDCT to a patient, with those who had basing their decision on symptoms/smoking history but having challenges with insurance. More education on LDCT is needed among HRIs, and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines should be widely distributed to encourage physician recommendations.