Public preferences for colorectal cancer screening tests: a review of conjoint analysis studies

Expert Rev Med Devices. 2013 Jul;10(4):489-99. doi: 10.1586/17434440.2013.811867.

Abstract

A wide range of screening technologies is available for colorectal cancer screening. There is demand to discover public preferences for these tests on the rationale that tailoring screening to preferences may improve uptake. This review describes a type of study (conjoint analysis) used to assess people's preferences for colorectal cancer screening tests and critically evaluates research quality using a recently published set of guidelines. Most primary studies assessed preferences for colonoscopy and fecal occult blood testing but newer technologies (e.g., capsule endoscopy) have not yet been evaluated. Although studies often adhered to guidelines, there was limited correspondence between stated preferences and actual screening behavior. Future research should investigate how studies can go beyond the guidelines in order to improve this and also explore how test preferences may differ by important population subgroups.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colonoscopy* / methods
  • Colonoscopy* / standards
  • Colonoscopy* / trends
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans