Physical activity advice in the UK bowel cancer screening setting: qualitative healthcare professional perspectives

Abstract

Providing physical activity advice in the bowel cancer screening setting could help to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiometabolic disease in older adults. This study investigated the views of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the provision of physical activity advice as part of the UK Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. A purposive sample of HCPs (aged 22-63 years, with 1-26 years of experience) from four bowel cancer screening disciplines (four endoscopists, four colorectal surgeons, four staff nurses and four specialist screening practitioners) were recruited from a large National Health Service gastroenterology unit. Data collection used individual interviews and focus groups, with topics being guided by an a priori topic guide. All interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Three key themes, which contextualize the views and perceptions of HCPs recruited to the study, emerged from the framework analysis: (i) appraisal of the concept; (ii) perceived barriers to implementation; (iii) steps to implementation. While the general concept was viewed positively, there were differences of opinion and a range of perceived barriers were revealed. Ideas for effective implementation were also presented, taking into consideration the need for time efficiencies and importance of optimizing effectiveness. This qualitative study provided important insights into the perceptions of HCPs regarding the provision of physical activity advice in the bowel cancer screening setting, and yielded novel ideas for effective implementation.

Keywords: cancer; physical activity; prevention; screening.