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Herlo LF, Salcudean A, Sirli R, Iurciuc S, Herlo A, Nelson-Twakor A, Alexandrescu L, Dumache R. Gut Microbiota Signatures in Colorectal Cancer as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker in the Future: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7937. [PMID: 39063179 PMCID: PMC11276678 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota has acquired significant attention in recent years for its potential as a diagnostic biomarker for colorectal cancer (CRC). In this literature review, we looked at the studies exploring alterations in gut microbiota composition associated with CRC, the potential mechanisms linking gut dysbiosis to CRC development, and the diagnostic approaches utilizing gut microbiota analysis. Our research has led to the conclusion that individuals with CRC often display alterations in their gut microbiota composition compared to healthy individuals. These alterations can include changes in the diversity, abundance, and type of bacteria present in the gut. While the use of gut microbiota as a diagnostic biomarker for CRC holds promise, further research is needed to validate its effectiveness and standardize testing protocols. Additionally, considerations such as variability in the microbiota composition among individuals and potential factors must be addressed before microbiota-based tests can be widely implemented in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucian-Flavius Herlo
- Doctoral School, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Andreea Salcudean
- Discipline of Sociobiology, Department of Ethics and Social Sciences, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Roxana Sirli
- Advanced Regional Research Center in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Stela Iurciuc
- Cardiology Department, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Alexandra Herlo
- Department XIII, Discipline of Infectious Diseases, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Square, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Andreea Nelson-Twakor
- Department of Internal Medicine, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, 900647 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Luana Alexandrescu
- Department of Gastroenterology, County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Constanta, 900647 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Raluca Dumache
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Bioethics, Medical ethics and Medical Law, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Center for Ethics in Human Genetic Identifications, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, E. Murgu Square, Nr. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Fritzell K, Hedberg B, Woudstra A, Forsberg A, Sventelius M, Kottorp A, Jervaeus A. Making the BEST decision-the BESTa project development, implementation and evaluation of a digital Decision Aid in Swedish cancer screening programmes- a description of a research project. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294332. [PMID: 38085710 PMCID: PMC10715660 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sweden has a long tradition of organized national population-based screening programmes. Participation rates differ between programmes and regions, being relatively high in some groups, but lower in others. To ensure an equity perspective on screening, it is desirable that individuals make an informed decision based on knowledge rather than ignorance, misconceptions, or fear. Decision Aids (DAs) are set to deliver information about different healthcare options and help individuals to visualize the values associated with each available option. DAs are not intended to guide individuals to choose one option over another. The advantage of an individual Decision Aid (iDA) is that individuals gain knowledge about cancer and screening by accessing one webpage with the possibility to communicate with health professionals and thereafter make their decision regarding participation. The objective is therefore to develop, implement and evaluate a digital iDA for individuals invited to cancer screening in Sweden. METHODS This study encompasses a process-, implementation-, and outcome evaluation. Multiple methods will be applied including focus group discussions, individual interviews and the usage of the think aloud technique and self-reported questionnaire data. The project is based on The International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) framework and the proposed model development process for DAs. Individuals aged 23-74, including women (the cervical-, breast- and CRC screening module) and men (the CRC screening module), will be included in the developmental process. Efforts will be made to recruit participants with self-reported physical and mental limitations, individuals without a permanent residence and ethnic minorities. DISCUSSION To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first attempt aimed at developing an iDA for use in the Swedish context. The iDA is intended to facilitate shared decision making about participation in screening. Furthermore, the iDA is expected to increase knowledge and raise awareness about cancer and cancer screening. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Lay people are involved throughout the whole development and implementation process of the digital DA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT05512260.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisa Fritzell
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
- Hereditary Cancer Clinic, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Berith Hedberg
- School of Health Sciences, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Anke Woudstra
- Team Advies en Onderzoek, Municipal Health Service (GGD) Kennemerland, Haarlem, the Netherlands
| | - Anna Forsberg
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Anders Kottorp
- Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anna Jervaeus
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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Fritzell K, Kottorp A, Jervaeus A. Different information needs-The major reasons for calling the helpline when invited to colorectal cancer screening. Health Expect 2022; 25:1548-1554. [PMID: 35393757 PMCID: PMC9327847 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study pertains to the design of a decision aid (DA) to shed light on information and support needs in colorectal cancer screening, with the aim to explore the calling patterns to the Screening of Swedish Colons (SCREESCO) study's helpline. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from documented telephone calls to the SCREESCO study, including individuals, 59-60 years, randomized to colonoscopy or high sensitive faecal immunochemical test (FIT). RESULTS More than 2000 calls (women 58.5%; colonoscopy 59%) were analysed. Calling patterns: unsubscribing from screening, confirmation of participation, logistical concerns about the screening procedure, counselling, and FIT screening difficulties or in need of a new FIT test. Comorbidity was the most frequent reason for unsubscribing and most of the counselling calls included questions about the FIT test or the colonoscopy. CONCLUSION Most of the calls to the helpline seemed to be related to individuals' lack of understanding about the organization of the screening programme and the screening procedure. Therefore, we find it important to further stress the tailoring part in our DA developing process, that is, provide limited information initially, with the possibility of access to more, if desired by the individual, still with respect to the individual's needs, health and digital literacy. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Individuals representing the public and invited to SCREESCO participated since we analysed their calls to the helpline. The findings will contribute to our continued work with the DA where the public will contribute and participate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaisa Fritzell
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Kottorp
- Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anna Jervaeus
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Busch J, Madsen EK, Fage-Butler AM, Kjær M, Ledderer L. Dilemmas of nudging in public health: an ethical analysis of a Danish pamphlet. Health Promot Int 2021; 36:1140-1150. [PMID: 33367635 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daaa146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nudging has been discussed in the context of public health, and ethical issues raised by nudging in public health contexts have been highlighted. In this article, we first identify types of nudging approaches and techniques that have been used in screening programmes, and ethical issues that have been associated with nudging: paternalism, limited autonomy and manipulation. We then identify nudging techniques used in a pamphlet developed for the Danish National Screening Program for Colorectal Cancer. These include framing, default nudge, use of hassle bias, authority nudge and priming. The pamphlet and the very offering of a screening programme can in themselves be considered nudges. Whether nudging strategies are ethically problematic depend on whether they are categorized as educative- or non-educative nudges. Educative nudges seek to affect people's choice making by engaging their reflective capabilities. Non-educative nudges work by circumventing people's reflective capabilities. Information materials are, on the face of it, meant to engage citizens' reflective capacities. Recipients are likely to receive information materials with this expectation, and thus not expect to be affected in other ways. Non-educative nudges may therefore be particularly problematic in the context of information on screening, also as participating in screening does not always benefit the individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Busch
- Department of Philosophy, School of Communication and Society, Aarhus University, Jens Chr. Skous Vej 7, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - Emilie Kirstine Madsen
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - Antoinette Mary Fage-Butler
- Department of English, School of Communication and Culture, Aarhus University, Jens Chr. Skous Vej 4, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - Marianne Kjær
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - Loni Ledderer
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
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Hofmann B, Reid L, Carter S, Rogers W. Overdiagnosis: one concept, three perspectives, and a model. Eur J Epidemiol 2021; 36:361-366. [PMID: 33428025 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-020-00706-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Defining, estimating, communicating about, and dealing with overdiagnosis is challenging. One reason for this is because overdiagnosis is a complex phenomenon. In this article we try to show that the complexity can be analysed and addressed in terms of three perspectives, i.e., that of the person, the professional, and the population. Individuals are informed about overdiagnosis based on population-based estimates. These estimates depend on professionals' conceptions and models of disease and diagnostic criteria. These conceptions in turn depend on individuals' experience of suffering, and on population level outcomes from diagnostics and treatment. As the personal, professional, and populational perspectives are not easy to reconcile, we must address them explicitly and facilitate interaction. Population-based estimates of overdiagnosis must be more directly informed by personal need for information. So must disease definitions and diagnostic criteria. Only then can individuals be appropriately informed about overdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Hofmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway. .,Centre of Medical Ethics, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Oslo, PO Box 1130, Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lynette Reid
- Department of Bioethics, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Stacy Carter
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement, Evidence and Values, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Wendy Rogers
- Department of Philosophy and Department of Clinical Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Jervaeus A, Fritzell K, Hultcrantz R, Wengström Y, Kottorp A. Psychometric properties of the SCREESCO questionnaire used in a colorectal cancer screening programme-A Rasch analysis. J Eval Clin Pract 2020; 26:541-550. [PMID: 31758613 PMCID: PMC7155008 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer diagnoses among both sexes. Sweden has not yet implemented any CRC screening programme, but a study, Screening of Swedish Colons (SCREESCO), is ongoing. The movement within the health care sector towards a more participatory perspective has led to the increased importance of shared decision making (SDM), and this is suggestively applied when deciding upon screening participation. There is no Swedish questionnaire for assessing the level of SDM in relation to CRC screening. Therefore, the CRC screening module of the National Survey of Medical Decisions was translated and culturally adapted into a Swedish context: the SCREESCO questionnaire. AIM The SCREESCO questionnaire requires further evaluation, and therefore, the aim, by using the Rasch approach, was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the SCREESCO questionnaire. METHODS A Rasch partial credit model was chosen to investigate the psychometric properties. The sample consisted of individuals invited to the SCREESCO programme, who have answered the SCREESCO questionnaire. RESULTS Rating scale structures indicated stability for the response structure used. Satisfactory evidence for validity of internal structure was also shown for the whole questionnaire and two of three concepts/subscales, after deletion of a few items. Validity in response processes indicated acceptable, or close to acceptable, findings, while the results for unidimensionality and differential item functioning (DIF) were somewhat mixed. Separation index revealed less satisfactory results, both for the whole questionnaire and the concepts/subscales. CONCLUSION This Rasch analysis of the SCREESCO questionnaire revealed that the questionnaire in its current form has difficulties to assess the level of SDM in relation to CRC screening. The achieved results will guide further evaluation and development with the long-term goal of having a Swedish questionnaire, to be used in the health care sector, assessing the level of SDM in relation to CRC screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jervaeus
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kaisa Fritzell
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rolf Hultcrantz
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yvonne Wengström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Nursing, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme cancer, Radiumhemmet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Kottorp
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois.,Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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Woudstra AJ, Smets EMA, Verdam MGE, Fransen MP. The Role of Health Literacy in Explaining the Relation between Educational Level and Decision Making about Colorectal Cancer Screening. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16234644. [PMID: 31766603 PMCID: PMC6926788 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16234644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about why educational inequalities exist in informed decision making in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Insight into the role and impact of health literacy is essential for intervention development. This study investigates associations between health literacy and informed decision making in CRC screening and explores to what extent health literacy mediates the association between education and informed decision making in CRC screening. In total, 696 individuals eligible for CRC screening (55–75 years of age) were recruited from online panels and filled in an online questionnaire at T0 (n = 696), T1 (n = 407) and T2 (n = 327). A hypothetical mediation model was tested using structural equation modelling. Outcomes included CRC knowledge, CRC screening knowledge, attitude, injunctive norm, descriptive norm, risk perception, self-efficacy, decisional conflict and decisional certainty. Health literacy domains included Comprehension, Application, Numeracy and Communication. Comprehension, Application and Numeracy, were found to mediate the association between education and knowledge about CRC and CRC screening, injunctive norm, descriptive norm, decisional conflict and decisional certainty. In light of these findings, targeting multiple health literacy domains in decision-support interventions is essential for facilitating informed decision making in CRC screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke J. Woudstra
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence:
| | - Ellen M. A. Smets
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.M.A.S.); (M.G.E.V.)
| | - Mathilde G. E. Verdam
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (E.M.A.S.); (M.G.E.V.)
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam P. Fransen
- Department of Public Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
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Toes-Zoutendijk E, Portillo I, Hoeck S, de Brabander I, Perrin P, Dubois C, van Leerdam M, Lansdorp-Vogelaar I, Bardou M. Participation in faecal immunochemical testing-based colorectal cancer screening programmes in the northwest of Europe. J Med Screen 2019; 27:68-76. [PMID: 31645173 PMCID: PMC7222964 DOI: 10.1177/0969141319879712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective This study compared the participation in four faecal immunochemical testing-based screening programmes for colorectal cancer in Flanders, France, Basque country and the Netherlands, to identify factors to further optimize faecal immunochemical testing programmes. Method Background information and data on performance indicators were collected and compared for the four programmes. Results Invitation method, reminders, funding, faecal immunochemical testing cut-off and follow-up after positive faecal immunochemical testing differed in the four programmes. In France, only an invitation letter is sent by mail, while the sample kit must be collected from the general practitioner. In the other programmes, an invitation letter including the sample kit is sent by mail. Participation rates vary substantially according to the method of invitation, with the highest participation rates in the Netherlands (73.0%) and Basque country (72.4%), followed by Flanders (54.5%) and France (28.6%). Basque country (92.8%) and France (88.4%), the two programmes with most active involvement of general practitioners in referral for colonoscopy, had the highest participation rates for colonoscopy. Conclusions Large differences in screening participation observed between programmes according to the invitation method used suggest that changes to the design of the programme, such as including the sample kit with the invitation, or active involvement of GPs, might increase participation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Hoeck
- Epidemiology and Social Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Centre for Cancer Detection, Brugge, Belgium
| | | | - Philippe Perrin
- Association pour le déspistage du Cancer Colorectal en Alsace (ADECA), Colmar, France
| | | | - Monique van Leerdam
- Gastroenterology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marc Bardou
- Gastroenterology, Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Clinical Investigation Center INSERM 1432, Dijon-Bourgogne University Hospital, Dijon, France
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Larsen MB, Njor SH, Jensen TM, Ingeholm P, Andersen B. Potential for prevention: a cohort study of colonoscopies and removal of adenomas in a FIT-based colorectal cancer screening programme. Scand J Gastroenterol 2019; 54:1008-1014. [PMID: 31397598 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2019.1647282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Evidence suggests that colorectal cancer (CRC) screening using guaiac faecal occult blood tests (gFOBT) reduces the CRC burden by facilitating timely removal of adenomas. Yet, the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is being implemented in many countries. The aim of this study was to analyse the risk of having adenomas detected when invited for FIT-based screening as compared to those not yet invited. Material and Methods: The study was designed as a register-based retrospective cohort study. The potential for prevention was estimated as number of individuals who had no adenomas, non-advanced adenomas, and advanced adenomas detected per 1000 invited/not yet invited individuals and the relative risk (RR) of each of the three outcomes. Results: A total of 1,359,340 individuals were included, 29.6% of whom had been invited and 70.4% had not yet been invited to participate in CRC screening. Compared with the not yet invited population, the invited group had a RR of no adenomas of 2.28 (2.22-2.34) and a RR of advanced adenomas of 7.41 (6.93-7.91). The RR of colonoscopy was 2.93 (2.87-2.99) for the invited population compared with the not yet invited population. Conclusion: The RR of having a colonoscopy was three times higher among those invited compared to those not yet invited for CRC screening and twice as often those who had been invited compared to those not yet invited had no adenomas detected. Still, the risk of advanced adenomas was more than seven times higher among the invited population, indicating that the screening programme holds great potential for reducing the CRC burden. Abbreviations: CI: Confidence interval; CRC: Colorectal cancer; FIT: Faecal immunochemical test; ICD: International Classification of Disease; RR: Relative risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Bach Larsen
- Department of Public Health Programmes, Randers Regional Hospital, Central Denmark Region , Randers , Denmark
| | - Sisse Helle Njor
- Department of Public Health Programmes, Randers Regional Hospital, Central Denmark Region , Randers , Denmark
| | | | - Peter Ingeholm
- Department of Pathology, Herlev Hospital, Capital Region of Denmark , Herlev , Denmark
| | - Berit Andersen
- Department of Public Health Programmes, Randers Regional Hospital, Central Denmark Region , Randers , Denmark
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Stakeholders’ Views on Responsible Assessments of Assistive Technologies through an Ethical HTA Matrix. SOCIETIES 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/soc9030051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Assessments of novel assistive technologies for use in home-based services has been documented to be performed in a variety of ways and often with a rather narrow focus on safety and effect or effectiveness. In order better to understand the place for wider forms of assessments of assistive technologies, the current study presents a combination of the Ethical Matrix and the Socratic approach for assessment of health technologies—the Ethical HTA Matrix. This matrix was filled with content based on a case of a GPS localization system, which was validated by stakeholders. In a next step, central decision-makers in assistive technologies and stakeholders were interviewed concerning their views on this methodology. Mainly, the matrix was seen as very comprehensive, but too detailed with an abundance of information. Nevertheless, some informants suggested concrete uses of the matrix in their organizations. Some understood the matrix more as an epistemic tool aiming at providing an overview of the state of knowledge, while others identified a normative potential in the matrix that could be implemented in health innovation processes for the home-based services, in particular when discussing novel solutions and working methods with health professionals and care workers.
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Toft EL, Kaae SE, Malmqvist J, Brodersen J. Psychosocial consequences of receiving false-positive colorectal cancer screening results: a qualitative study. Scand J Prim Health Care 2019; 37:145-154. [PMID: 31079520 PMCID: PMC6566584 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2019.1608040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the psychosocial consequences of receiving false-positive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening results, following a positive immunochemical faecal occult blood test. Design, setting, and subjects: We conducted a qualitative study with four semi-structured focus group interviews with 16 participants aged 50-74, all of whom had received a false-positive result in the national Danish CRC screening programme. We selected, recruited, and grouped participants to ensure maximum variation, and to enable a level of confidence to speak openly about experiences of screening. We subjected interview data, audio-recordings, and transcripts to a strategy of qualitative analysis called systematic text condensation. Results: We identified four main themes which described the psychosocial consequences of false-positive CRC screening results: anxiety; discomfort; changed self-perception and behaviour; and considerations on participation in screening. Each of these themes covered a wide range of experiences which were relevant to the informants and broadly shared by them in many aspects. Conclusions: Receiving false-positive results from CRC screening can lead to negative psychosocial consequences such as changes in self-perception and anxiety: some participants may experience subsequent relief, others not. These negative psychosocial consequences might persist over time. Implications: Negative psychosocial consequences from false-positive CRC screening results may result in a greater use of general practitioner services by healthy people who need reassurance or further tests. More research using condition-specific measures is required to further understand the degree and potential persistence of psychosocial consequences of false-positive results from CRC screening. Key Points Participants who receive false-positive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening results may experience negative psychosocial consequences e.g. anxiety and subsequent relief. Participants who receive false-positive CRC screening results may experience discomfort during the screening process. Participants who receive false-positive CRC screening results may experience longer term changes of self-perception. Participants who receive false-positive CRC screening results may experience ambivalence about the offered diagnostic down-stream procedures including colonoscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Lykke Toft
- Center for Research & Education in General Practice, Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Sara Enggaard Kaae
- CONTACT Kaae S. Center for Research & Education in General Practice, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jessica Malmqvist
- Center for Research & Education in General Practice, Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- Center for Research & Education in General Practice, Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark
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Hofmann B, Bond K, Sandman L. Evaluating facts and facting evaluations: On the fact-value relationship in HTA. J Eval Clin Pract 2018; 24:957-965. [PMID: 29611623 PMCID: PMC6175155 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Health technology assessment (HTA) is an evaluation of health technologies in terms of facts and evidence. However, the relationship between facts and values is still not clear in HTA. This is problematic in an era of "fake facts" and "truth production." Accordingly, the objective of this study is to clarify the relationship between facts and values in HTA. We start with the perspectives of the traditional positivist account of "evaluating facts" and the social-constructivist account of "facting values." Our analysis reveals diverse relationships between facts and a spectrum of values, ranging from basic human values, to the values of health professionals, and values of and in HTA, as well as for decision making. We argue for sensitivity to the relationship between facts and values on all levels of HTA, for being open and transparent about the values guiding the production of facts, and for a primacy for the values close to the principal goals of health care, ie, relieving suffering. We maintain that philosophy (in particular ethics) may have an important role in addressing the relationship between facts and values in HTA. Philosophy may help us to avoid fallacies of inferring values from facts; to disentangle the normative assumptions in the production or presentation of facts and to tease out implicit value judgements in HTA; to analyse evaluative argumentation relating to facts about technologies; to address conceptual issues of normative importance; and to promote reflection on HTA's own value system. In this we argue for a(n Aristotelian) middle way between the traditional positivist account of "evaluating facts" and the social-constructivist account of "facting values," which we call "factuation." We conclude that HTA is unique in bringing together facts and values and that being conscious and explicit about this "factuation" is key to making HTA valuable to both individual decision makers and society as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Hofmann
- Institute for the Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Gjøvik, Norway.,Centre of Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ken Bond
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), Ottawa, Canada
| | - Lars Sandman
- National Center for Priority Setting in Health-Care, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköpiing University, 58183, Linköping, Sweden
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Hofmann B, Stanak M. Nudging in screening: Literature review and ethical guidance. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2018; 101:1561-1569. [PMID: 29657111 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nudging is the purposeful alteration of choices presented to people that aims to make them choose in predicted ways. While nudging has been used to assure high uptake and good outcome of screening programs, it has been criticized for being paternalistic, undermining free choice, and shared decision making. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to explore a) nudging strategies identified in screening, b) arguments for and against nudging; and on basis of this, to c) suggest a tentative conclusion on how to handle nudging in screening. METHODS Literature searches in Ovid MEDLINE and PsycINFO for combinations of screening and nudging. Screening based on content analysis of titles, abstracts, and articles. RESULTS 239 references were identified and 109 were included. Several forms of nudging were identified: framed information, default bias, or authority bias. Uptake and public health outcome were the most important goals. Arguments for nudging were bounded rationality, unavoidability, and beneficence, while lack of transparency, crowding out of intrinsic values, and paternalism were arguments against it. The analysis indicates that nudging can be acceptable for screenings with (high quality) evidence for high benefit-harm ratio (beneficence), where nudging does not infringe other ethical principles, such as justice and non-maleficence. In particular, nudging should not only focus on attendance rates, but also on making people "better choosers." PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Four specific recommendations follow from the review and the analysis: 1) Nudging should be addressed in an explicit and transparent manner. 2) The means of nudging have to be in proportion to the benefit-harm ratio. 3) Disagreement on the evidence for either benefits or harms warrants special care. 4) Assessing and assuring the intended outcome of nudging appears to be crucial, as it can be context dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Hofmann
- Institute for the Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjovik, Norway; Centre of Medical Ethics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Michal Stanak
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Health Technology Assessment, Vienna, Austria; Faculty of Philosophy and Education, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Larsen MB, Njor S, Ingeholm P, Andersen B. Effectiveness of Colorectal Cancer Screening in Detecting Earlier-Stage Disease-A Nationwide Cohort Study in Denmark. Gastroenterology 2018; 155:99-106. [PMID: 29626451 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Most studies of the effectiveness of screening for colorectal cancer (CRC) using the fecal occult blood test tested the guaiac fecal occult blood test. However, the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is now commonly used in screening. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of FIT-based screening for CRC on the number of incident CRC diagnoses and stage at diagnosis for individuals in Denmark who were invited for screening vs not yet invited. METHODS We collected data for this register-based retrospective cohort study during the first 16 months of the prevalence round of a FIT-based CRC screening program (March 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015). A total of 402,826 residents of Denmark (50-72 years old) were randomly invited to undergo CRC screening within the study period, and 956,514 were invited thereafter. We obtained information on CRC diagnosis, date, and stage at diagnosis from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database. Cancer incidence per 100,000 invited/not yet invited individuals was calculated, along with the relative risk (RR) of CRC among invited compared with not yet invited individuals. RESULTS CRC incidence during the study period was 339.4/100,000 invited individuals and 169.6/100,000 not yet invited individuals. CRC incidence increased with age among invited and not yet invited individuals. For invited women compared with not yet invited women, the RR of being diagnosed with stage I CRC was 3.39 (95% CI, 2.61-4.39), with stage II CRC was 2.16 (95% CI, 1.71-2.72), with stage III CRC was 1.37 (95% CI, 1.08-1.75), and with stage IV CRC was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.68-1.23). For invited men compared with not yet invited men, the RR of being diagnosed with stage I CRC was 3.71 (95% CI, 2.97-4.64); with stage II CRC was 2.26 (95% CI, 1.84-2.77), with stage III CRC was 1.88 (95% CI, 1.53-2.30), and with stage IV CRC was 1.20 (95% CI, 0.95-1.52). CONCLUSIONS In analyzing data from a register-based cohort study in Denmark, we found that inviting individuals to undergo FIT-based CRC screening led to detection of almost 2-fold more cases of CRC than not inviting participants. The significant increase of CRC incidence among those invited for screening indicates a need for awareness of treatment capacity in countries introducing FIT-based CRC screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Bach Larsen
- Department of Public Health Programmes, Randers Regional Hospital, Central Denmark Region, Randers NØ, Denmark.
| | - Sisse Njor
- Department of Public Health Programmes, Randers Regional Hospital, Central Denmark Region, Randers NØ, Denmark
| | - Peter Ingeholm
- Department of Pathology, Herlev Hospital, Capital Region of Denmark, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Berit Andersen
- Department of Public Health Programmes, Randers Regional Hospital, Central Denmark Region, Randers NØ, Denmark
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ETHICS OF SMART HOUSE WELFARE TECHNOLOGY FOR OLDER ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2017; 33:691-699. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266462317000964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background:The University College of Southeast Norway has an on-going project to develop a smart house welfare system to allow older adults and people with disabilities to remain in their homes for as long as they wish in safe, dignified, living conditions.Objectives:This article reviews reported ethical challenges to implementing smart houses for older adults.Methods:A systematic literature review identified twenty-four articles in English, French, Spanish, and Norwegian, which were analyzed and synthesized using Hofmann's question list to investigate the reported ethical challenges.Results:Smart houses offer a promising way to improve access to home care for older adults and people with disabilities. However, important ethical challenges arise when implementing smart houses, including cost-effectiveness, privacy, autonomy, informed consent, dignity, safety, and trust.Conclusions:The identified ethical challenges are important to consider when developing smart house systems. Due to the limitations of smart house technology, designers and users should be mindful that smart houses can achieve a safer and more dignified life-style but cannot solve all the challenges related to ageing, disabilities, and disease. At some point, smart houses can no longer help persons as they develop needs that smart houses cannot meet.
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