Cancer Research Early Diagnosis Research Conference: ECR Pechakucha presentation: 23-24 Feb 2017 Exploring patient and practitioner perspectives of QCancer use in primary care consultations Joseph Akanuwe PhD Student, Community and Health Research Unit, University of Lincoln

Introduction QCancer is a novel cancer risk assessment tool that combines risk factors and symptoms to estimate an individual’s risk of developing cancer within two years Rationale for the study: Evidence on the views of service users and practitioners on the use of QCancer in primary care consultation is limited

Methods Qualitative design: Individual and focus group interviews with service users from the general public and practitioners from general practices in Lincolnshire Analysis: The qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework approach

Results 36 participants interviewed: 19 service users (aged 21-71 years) 17 practitioners (aged 33 - 55 years)   4 key themes: Implications of quantifying risk using QCancer Usefulness of QCancer in consultations Communicating cancer risk to patients Potential challenges to the uptake of QCancer in consultations

Implications of quantifying cancer risk using QCancer Potential conflict with current cancer guidelines High risk symptoms need referral for further investigation whatever the quantified risk

Use of QCancer in consultations Quantifying cancer risk Supporting decision-making Identifying, raising awareness of and modifying health behaviours Improving processes and speed of assessment and treatment Personalising care

Communicating cancer risk to patients Tailoring visual representation of risk Openness and honesty Informing and involving patients in the use of QCancer Providing time for listening, informing, explaining and reassuring in the context of a professional approach

Challenges to uptake of QCancer primary care Additional time required Unnecessary worry/anxiety generated by cancer investigations Potential for over-referral Practitioner scepticism about using the tool Need for evidence of effectiveness before introducing QCancer in patient consultations

Conclusion QCancer will help in: quantifying risk; clinical decisions etc Communication needs of users and potential barriers for both users and practitioners should be considered in implementing QCancer Further research is needed to assess effectiveness on health outcomes