Commonly asked questions for lung cancer screening

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Introduction.</strong> Lung cancer screening (LCS) can reduce lung cancer mortality; however, poor understanding of results may impact patient experience and follow-up. We sought to determine whether an informational handout accompanying LCS results can improve patient-reported outcomes and adherence to follow-up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Study Design.</strong> This was a prospective alternating intervention pilot trial of a handout to accompany LCS results delivery.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Setting/Participants.</strong> Patients undergoing LCS in a multisite program over a 6-month period received a mailing containing either: 1) a standardized form letter of LCS results (control) or 2) the LCS results letter and the handout (intervention).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Intervention.</strong> A two-sided informational handout on commonly asked questions after LCS was created through iterative mixed-methods evaluation with both LCS patients and providers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Outcome Measures.</strong> The primary outcomes of 1)patient understanding of LCS results, 2)correct identification of next steps in screening, and 3)patient distress were measured through survey. Adherence to recommended follow-up after LCS was determined through chart review. Outcomes were compared between the intervention and control group using generalized estimating equations.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Results.</strong> 389 patients were eligible and enrolled with survey responses from 230 participants (59% response rate). We found no differences in understanding of results, identification of next steps in follow-up or distress but did find higher levels of knowledge and understanding on questions assessing individual components of LCS in the intervention group. Follow-up adherence was overall similar between the two arms, though was higher in the intervention group among those with positive findings (p=0.007).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Conclusions.</strong> There were no differences in self-reported outcomes between the groups or overall follow-up adherence. Those receiving the intervention did report greater understanding and knowledge of key LCS components, and those with positive results had a higher rate of follow-up. This may represent a feasible component of a multi-level intervention to address knowledge and follow-up for LCS.</p>