Factors influencing patient compliance in colorectal cancer screening: qualitative research synthesis

Abstract

To systematically collect and analyze the influencing factors of patient compliance with colorectal cancer screening in qualitative studies so as to provide a theoretical basis for improving compliance. The databases of Pubmed, EMbase, CBMdisc, CNKI and VIP and the relevant articles were searched. According to the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the qualitative studies of the influencing factors of patient compliance with screening were included. After selection and critical appraisal of the retrieved studies, a meta-analysis was performed. A total of 15 studies were included. It was found that several factors had a great impact on the patient compliance of screening. They included a lack of knowledge of cancer and screening, screening costs, a feeling of embarrassment, a fear of screening complications or discomfort, barriers to implementation of screening, a lack of communication with physicians and a lack of symptoms and awareness. Screening compliance may be improved through enhancing cognitive function in patients, ameliorating physician-patient communication and lowing the screening costs.