What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to explore how various factors influence delays in lung cancer diagnosis in primary care settings.

June 3, 2026Patient Education and Counseling0 citationsOpen Access

The Patient Experience of Pathways to Lung Cancer Diagnosis in Primary Care: a Mixed Methods Investigation of Factors Influencing Timeliness of Diagnosis

KMKimberley ManderThe University of Sydney AYAdeline YapThe University of Sydney KGKirsty GalpinThe University of Sydney

Key Points

The study aims to explore how various factors influence delays in lung cancer diagnosis in primary care settings.
Conducted a mixed-methods analysis focusing on patient experiences and perspectives.
Examined the role of GP responsiveness and clinical suspicion in the diagnostic process.
Identified key determinants of timely lung cancer investigation, particularly among non-smokers and patients with comorbidities.
Patients emphasized the importance of health literacy and symptom-based assessments for timely diagnosis.
Enhanced GP education and communication tools were highlighted as opportunities to improve diagnostic pathways.
The study identified health advocacy strategies that patients believe would aid in quicker diagnosis.

Abstract

• Mixed-methods analysis revealed how communication, health literacy, and system navigation shape delays in the lung cancer diagnostic pathway. • General practitioner (GP) responsiveness and clinical suspicion, especially for non-smokers and those with comorbidities, were key determinants of timely investigation. • Patients endorsed focus on health literacy, including symptom-based assessment and greater self-advocacy support. • Findings identify opportunities to streamline diagnostic processes through enhanced GP education, health literacy, targeted patient self-advocacy work, and practical patient-clinician communication tools.

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