1
|
Damhus CS, Brodersen JB, Nielsen GL. Diagnostic flow for all patients referred with non-specific symptoms of cancer to a diagnostic centre in Denmark: A descriptive study. Eur J Gen Pract 2024; 30:2296108. [PMID: 38179994 PMCID: PMC10773629 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2023.2296108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2012, Cancer Patient Pathways for Non-specific Symptoms and Signs of Cancer (NSSC-CPP) have been implemented in Scandinavia and UK. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the diagnostic flow for all patients referred from 1 January to 30 June 2020 to the NSSC-CPP in the Diagnostic Centre in Farsø (DC-F), Denmark. METHODS During the study period, we prospectively recorded information on the diagnostic flow, including: pathway trajectory, symptoms and findings leading to referral, diagnostic procedures and diagnoses at the end of DC Farsø work-up and within 6-months for all patients referred to the NSSC-CPP in DC Farsø using electronic patient files and the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR). RESULTS Of the 314 referrals to DC Farsø, 227 had diagnostic work-up in DC Farsø, the remaining were redirected to other CPPs (n = 11), outpatient clinics (n = 45) or redirected to general practice (n = 25). Of total referrals, 25 (8%) received a malignant diagnosis, 20 (6%) a non-malignant but clinically relevant diagnosis with initiation of treatment, 16 (5%) a non-malignant diagnosis but no treatment needed and in 253 (81%) referrals no severe new condition was diagnosed. Two (1%) additional malignancies were diagnosed within a 6-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION By tracking all patients referred to the NSSC-CPP in DC Farsø, including those redirected, this is the first study to describe the diagnostic flow for all patients referred to a diagnostic centre in Denmark. This knowledge is important for further organisation and planning of the NSSC-CPP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sadolin Damhus
- The Centre of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Research Unit for General Practice in Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - John Brandt Brodersen
- The Centre of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Research Unit for General Practice in Region Zealand, Denmark
- Department of Community Medicine, General Practice Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gunnar Lauge Nielsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Damhus CS, Risør MB, Brodersen JB, Jønsson ABR. Rethinking the logic of early diagnosis in cancer. Health (London) 2024:13634593241234481. [PMID: 38407179 DOI: 10.1177/13634593241234481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
To reduce morbidity and mortality of cancer, more countries have implemented strategies to detect cancer, based on the logic of 'the sooner the better'. Time is thereby an essential component in how cancer research, policies, and prevention are practiced today. Where the logic of early diagnosis benefits some, the logic also produces harms. In this article, we use a cross-disciplinary case-study design to discuss how different notions of time and linearity are essential in today's research ontology of cancer, describe the individual and societal consequences of such ontology, and invite a rethinking of time in cancer. Drawing on theoretical concepts of time together with cancer epidemiological, historical and ethnographical data, we analyse how the logic of early diagnosis has been established as a stable concept. Although evidence supporting the logic points in different directions, the message 'the sooner the better' is currently not being challenged by research, policy or society. This at least partly, can be explained by a linear perception of time and societal traces of neoliberalism and acceleration in our society together with cancer still being a somewhat enigmatic disease that requires acute action. To support a sustainable healthcare sector, we argue there is a need to nuance the logic of early diagnosis. Continuing the linear perception of symptoms and cancer, risks doing more harm than good by making more people patients unnecessarily and by spending health resources on those with the least need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sadolin Damhus
- The Centre of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Research Unit for General Practice in Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - Mette Bech Risør
- The Centre of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Community Medicine, General Practice Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - John Brandt Brodersen
- The Centre of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Research Unit for General Practice in Region Zealand, Denmark
- Department of Community Medicine, General Practice Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| | - Alexandra Brandt Ryborg Jønsson
- The Centre of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Community Medicine, General Practice Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
- Department of People and Technology, Roskilde University, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Andersen C, Adamsen L, Damhus CS, Piil K, Missel M, Jarden M, Larsen A, Larsen HB, Møller T. Qualitative exploration of the perceptions of exercise in patients with cancer initiated during chemotherapy: a meta-synthesis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e074266. [PMID: 38086582 PMCID: PMC10729187 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-074266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesise qualitative literature on (1) the perceptions of patients with cancer of participating in an exercise intervention while undergoing chemotherapy and (2) to inform and guide professionals in oncology and haematology practice. DESIGN A qualitative meta-synthesis based on Noblit and Hare's seven-step meta-ethnography. DATA SOURCES Six electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, SCI-Expanded-SSCI and Scopus (final search June 2022) were used to identify qualitative literature containing individual or focus group interviews. The transparency of reporting for each study was assessed using the Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research checklist. RESULTS The search identified 5002 articles, 107 of which were selected for full-text review. Seventeen articles from five countries with patients undergoing chemotherapy during exercise interventions were included. Eleven articles were included in the meta-synthesis, which comprised 193 patients with various cancer diagnoses, disease stages, sexes and ages. Four main themes were identified: chemotherapy overpowers the body; exercise in battle with side effects; a break from gloomy thoughts; and a question of survivorship. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The meta-synthesis emphasised that patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and simultaneously participating in exercise interventions may experience momentary relief from overwhelming side effects, even though full bodily recovery may be perceived as a distant prospect. The synthesis offers a sparse empirical basis for gaining insight into what patients experience existentially following exercise interventions. It is up to patients to independently apply the transfer value of exercise to their own existential circumstances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Andersen
- Center for Health Research (UCSF), Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lis Adamsen
- Center for Health Research (UCSF), Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Sadolin Damhus
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin Piil
- Department of Oncology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Malene Missel
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mary Jarden
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Heamatology, Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Larsen
- Center for Health Research (UCSF), Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Baekgaard Larsen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Peadiatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tom Møller
- Center for Health Research (UCSF), Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Damhus CS, Brodersen JB, Risør MB. Luckily-I am not the worrying kind: Experiences of patients in the Danish cancer patient pathway for non-specific symptoms and signs of cancer. Health (London) 2023; 27:1059-1075. [PMID: 35502689 DOI: 10.1177/13634593221096244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In Denmark, due to the implementation of the Non-specific Symptoms and Signs of Cancer-Cancer Patient Pathway (NSSC-CPP), more people with symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss are informed that their symptoms might indicate cancer and they are referred to the pathway. But what do patients in the NSSC-CPP experience, in particular, with respect to being in an affective state of anticipation of a cancer diagnosis? We conducted participant observation and semi-structured interviews with patients to investigate their experience of the NSSC-CPP with a specific focus on their perception of symptoms and their thoughts on worrying about cancer. We found that the phrase 'worried about cancer' was not recognised by the participants, but worry was visible in their increased healthcare use and their interpretation of bodily sensations. Our study indicates the need to explore the impact of anticipation and potential cancer worries in participants' everyday lives, as this context mediates their moral roles and responsibilities and restructures their social lives, while keeping uncertainty and probabilities on the table.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John Brandt Brodersen
- Department of Public Health, The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Primary & eHealth Care, Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - Mette Bech Risør
- Department of Public Health, The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Community Medicine, General Practice Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gram EG, Jønsson ABR, Brodersen JB, Damhus CS. Questioning 'Informed Choice' in Medical Screening: The Role of Neoliberal Rhetoric, Culture, and Social Context. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11091230. [PMID: 37174772 PMCID: PMC10178002 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Participation in medical screening programs is presented as a voluntary decision that should be based on an informed choice. An informed choice is often emphasized to rely on three assumptions: (1) the decision-maker has available information about the benefits and harms, (2) the decision-maker can understand and interpret this information, and (3) the decision-maker can relate this information to personal values and preferences. In this article, we empirically challenge the concept of informed choice in the context of medical screening. We use document analysis to analyze and build upon findings and interpretations from previously published articles on participation in screening. We find that citizens do not receive neutral or balanced information about benefits and harms, yet are exposed to manipulative framing effects. The citizens have high expectations about the benefits of screening, and therefore experience cognitive strains when informed about the harm. We demonstrate that decisions about screening participation are informed by neoliberal arguments of personal responsibility and cultural healthism, and thus cannot be regarded as decisions based on individual values and preferences independently of context. We argue that the concept of informed choice serves as a power technology for people to govern themselves and can be considered an implicit verification of biopower.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Grundtvig Gram
- Center of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, 4100 Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - Alexandra Brandt Ryborg Jønsson
- Center of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of People and Technology, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- The Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Social Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - John Brandt Brodersen
- Center of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Primary Health Care Research Unit, 4100 Region Zealand, Denmark
- The Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Social Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Christina Sadolin Damhus
- Center of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 1353 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Damhus CS, Siersma V, Birkmose AR, Støvring H, Dalton SO, Brodersen JB. Colon cancer diagnosed in patients with non-specific symptoms - comparisons between diagnostic paradigms. Acta Oncol 2023; 62:272-280. [PMID: 36897844 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2023.2185910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Background In Denmark, the Cancer Patient Pathway for Non-Specific Signs and Symptoms (NSSC-CPP) has been implemented with variations: in some areas, general practitioners (GPs) do the initial diagnostic work-up (GP paradigm); in other areas, patients are referred directly to the hospital (hospital paradigm). There is no evidence to suggest the most beneficial organisation. Therefore, this study aims to compare the occurrence of colon cancer and the risk of non-localised cancer stage between the GP and hospital paradigms.Material and Methods In this registry-based case-control study, we applied multivariable binary logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of colon cancer and non-localised stage associated with the GP paradigm and hospital paradigm. All cases and controls were assigned to a paradigm based on their diagnostic activity (CT scan or CPP) six months before the index date. As not all CT scans in the control group were part of the cancer work-up as a sensitivity analysis, we investigated the impact of varying the fraction of these, which were randomly removed using a bootstrap approach for inference.Results The GP paradigm was more likely to result in a cancer diagnosis than the hospital paradigm; ORs ranged from 1.91-3.15 considering different fractions of CT scans as part of cancer work-up. No difference was found in the cancer stage between the two paradigms; ORs ranged from 1.08-1.10 and were not statistically significant.Conclusion Patients in the GP paradigm were diagnosed with colon cancer more often, but we cannot conclude that the distribution of respectively localised or non-localised extent of disease is different from that of patients in the hospital paradigm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sadolin Damhus
- Department of Public Health, Centre of General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Primary & eHealth Care, Region Zealand, Sorø, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- Department of Public Health, Centre of General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Rubach Birkmose
- Department of Public Health, Centre of General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Støvring
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton
- Survivorship & Inequality in Cancer, The Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Oncology & Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Næstved, Denmark
| | - John Brandt Brodersen
- Department of Public Health, Centre of General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Primary & eHealth Care, Region Zealand, Sorø, Denmark.,Department of Social Medicine, The Research Unit for General Practice, University of Tromsø, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Damhus CS, Siersma V, Birkmose AR, Dalton SO, Brodersen J. Use and diagnostic outcomes of cancer patient pathways in Denmark - is the place of initial diagnostic work-up an important factor? BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:130. [PMID: 35101051 PMCID: PMC8802524 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07545-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Cancer Patient Pathway for Non-specific Symptoms and Signs of Cancer (NSSC-CPP) has been implemented in Denmark with regional and intra-regional differences. In some places, the initial diagnostic work-up (often including a CT scan) is performed by general practitioners (GPs) and in others by hospitals. Variations may influence the use of Organ Specific Cancer Patient Pathways (OS-CPPs) and prognostic outcomes for the patients. Therefore, the aims were: 1) To analyse how a CT scan referred from GP or hospital is followed by OS-CPPs and NSSC-CPPs at the national and regional level, and 2) To analyse, nationally and regionally, the diagnostic outcomes of persons referred to CT scan by either GP or hospital six months after and mortality one year after CT scan. Methods A nationwide population-based study including individuals with a first CT scan in 2013-2016, either referred from GP or hospital. Results Overall, individuals with a CT scan referred from GPs were more likely to start a NSSC-CPP or an OS-CPP than individuals with a CT scan referred by hospitals. Across the five Regions in Denmark, CT scans referred by GPs were associated with reduced odds of total mortality in all regions; (North, OR=0.78 [0.73 0.83], Central, OR=0.92 [0.87 0.96], South, OR=0.85 [0.81 0.89], Capital, OR=0.96 [0.91 1.00] and Zealand, OR=0.85 [0.79 0.90]) and increased odds of cancer-specific mortality in four regions, ORs ranging from 1.15-1.51 with no difference in Region North (1.00 [0.91 1.10]). Conclusion No obvious association between more CT scans and CPPs and reduced diagnoses and mortality was observed. The different diagnostic models might not explain the prognostic outcomes, but the different use of CT scans in, and between Regions play a large role in the differences in incidence and mortality. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07545-x.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sadolin Damhus
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Primary & eHealth Care, Region Zealand, Alléen 15, 4180, Sorø, Denmark. .,Survivorship & Inequality in Cancer, the Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna Rubach Birkmose
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton
- Survivorship & Inequality in Cancer, the Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Strandboulevarden 49, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Oncology & Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Ringstedgade 61, 4700, Næstved, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1014, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Primary & eHealth Care, Region Zealand, Alléen 15, 4180, Sorø, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Damhus CS, Siersma V, Hansson A, Bang CW, Brodersen J. Psychosocial consequences of screening-detected abdominal aortic aneurisms: a cross-sectional study. Scand J Prim Health Care 2021; 39:459-465. [PMID: 34806538 PMCID: PMC8725974 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2021.2004713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In Sweden, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening programme was gradually implemented from 2009 to reduce the incidence of rupture and thereby mortality. AAA screening introduces a variety of unintended, but generally unavoidable, harms, e.g. stress and worry. Such psychosocial consequences have previously only been investigated with generic measures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe and compare the psychosocial consequences in men with a screening detected AAA to men with a normal screening result after they participated in the Swedish national AAA-screening programme using a validated psychometric instrument. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was a cross-sectional survey. Data were originally collected to validate the COS-AAA and has previously been published in details. The Consequences of Screening in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (COS-AAA) questionnaire was sent to 250 men with a screening detected AAA and 500 with a normal screening result who were randomly selected from a Swedish population-based screening register. RESULTS In total, 158 (63%) men with a screening detected AAA and 275 (55%) men with a normal screening result completed the COS-AAA. We found that men with a screening detected AAA reported negative psychosocial consequences to a greater extent in 10 of 13 COS-AAA Part 1 scales, all statistically significant except three (behaviour, sleep and negative experiences from examination). For COS-AAA Part 2, there was a statistically significant difference between groups in four of five scales. CONCLUSIONS Men diagnosed with a screening detected AAA, reported more negative psychosocial consequences compared to men with a normal result. Screening for abdominal aorta aneurism (AAA) introduces intended benefits and unintended harms. Adequate measures are necessary to determine the balance between them.Key points:This study applied a condition-specific questionnaire with high content validity and adequate psychometric properties to measure psychosocial consequences in men participating in AAA screening.We found that men with a screening detected AAA reported more negative psychosocial consequences than men with a normal aorta size.The risk of negative psychosocial consequences is important to include in the decision making on whether to participate in screening or not.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sadolin Damhus
- The Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Primary & eHealth Care, Region Zealand, Denmark
- CONTACT Christina Sadolin Damhus Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, CopenhagenDK-1014, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Hansson
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- University Health Care Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Orebro University, Orebro, Sweden
| | - Christine Winther Bang
- The Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- The Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Primary & eHealth Care, Region Zealand, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gram EG, Brodersen J, Haase CB, Martiny F, Kusta O, Damhus CS. Re: Hofmann et al. Overdiagnosis, one concept, three perspectives, and a model. Eur J Epidemiol 2021; 36:655-656. [PMID: 34275016 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-021-00773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
It is with great interest we have read the article "Overdiagnosis: one concept, three perspectives, and a model" by Hofmann and colleagues. We share the authors' ambition of understanding what overdiagnosis is and what it isn't. In our research, we define overdiagnosis on the basis of two interrelated phenomena: overdetection and overdefinition. Overdetection is the labelling of a person with a disease or abnormal condition, that would not have caused the person harm, e.g., symptoms or death, if left undiscovered. Overdefinition is the creation of new diagnoses by overmedicalising ordinary life experiences or expanding existing diagnoses by lowering thresholds or widening diagnostic criteria, without evidence of improved outcomes. These phenomena have different causes and thereby often different drivers. However, they have one important consequence in common: people are turned into patients unnecessarily, i.e., overdiagnosed. On a personal level, overdiagnosis cause various types of harms, including physical, psychological, social and financial harm. On a societal level, overdiagnosis may also cause harm to public health, cause resource waste, and cultural changes with overmedicalisation of normal life events. By definition, none of the aforementioned phenomena lead to any clinical benefit. Therefore, we disagree with Hofmann and colleagues' definition of overdiagnosis as diagnoses that "…on balance, do more harm than good.". We argue that introducing balance and benefits to the definition of overdiagnosis complicates the concept unnecessarily and cause problems operationalising overdiagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Grundtvig Gram
- Section and Research Unit for General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - John Brodersen
- Section and Research Unit for General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - Christoffer Bjerre Haase
- Section and Research Unit for General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Frederik Martiny
- Section and Research Unit for General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Social Medicine, Capital Region, Denmark
| | - Olsi Kusta
- Section and Research Unit for General Practice, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Damhus CS, Quentin JG, Malmqvist J, Siersma V, Brodersen J. Psychosocial consequences of a three-month follow-up after receiving an abnormal lung cancer CT-screening result: A longitudinal survey. Lung Cancer 2021; 155:46-52. [PMID: 33725548 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Participation in lung cancer CT-screening can be associated with a need for follow-up procedures. The screening and waiting for test results introduce the risk of experiencing psychosocial consequences. Therefore, the aims of this study were: 1) To investigate if the psychosocial consequences changed from before an annual screening round to before a three-month follow-up CT-scan in participants with a positive screening result. 2) To investigate potential differences in psychosocial consequences between false positives (FP) and true positives (TP). FP were defined as those where cancer was not confirmed in the follow-up CT-scan and TP where it was. MATERIALS AND METHODS This longitudinal study was based on data from the Danish Lung Cancer Screening Trial (DLCST). The Consequences of Screening - Lung cancer (COS-LC) questionnaire was used to measure psychosocial consequences among 130 participants who all received an abnormal CT-screening result at their annual screening round. Eligible participants completed the COS-LC before their annual CT-screening and before the three-month follow-up. RESULTS We found a statistically significant increase in negative psychosocial consequences between the annual lung cancer CT-screening and the three-month follow-up CT-scan in four of nine psychosocial scales; Sense of dejection, Self-blame, Focus on airway symptoms and Harm of smoking. Furthermore, an increase, however not statistically significant, was identified in all remaining scales, except for the scale Stigmatisation which was slightly decreased. We found no evidence of an association between psychosocial consequences and diagnostic groups, FP and TP. CONCLUSIONS An increase in negative psychosocial consequences was observed between the annual lung cancer CT-screening and the three-month follow-up CT-scan. Since we found no statistically significant difference between the diagnostic groups, the increase in negative psychosocial consequences is interpreted as a nocebo effect of living three months in uncertainty not knowing if one's positive CT-screening result was true or false.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sadolin Damhus
- The Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; The Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark.
| | - Julie Greve Quentin
- The Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jessica Malmqvist
- The Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; The Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- The Section and Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; The Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the Non-specific Symptoms and Signs of Cancer-Cancer Patient Pathway (NSSC-CPP) in order to describe organisational and clinical practice similarities and differences in the diagnostic work-up of suspected cancer in Denmark. MATERIAL AND METHODS A questionnaire on the organisation and practice pertaining to the NSSC-CPP was completed by all 21 diagnostic units in the five healthcare regions in Denmark. RESULTS The questionnaire responses revealed regional and intraregional differences in the organisation and clinical practice of the NSSC-CPP. CT scan was the most often used imaging in the NSSC-CPP but there was no consensus whether the CT scan should be ordered and evaluated by general practitioners (GPs) or by the diagnostic units. Two regions were consistent but had different modalities regarding referrals from GPs. Three regions had intra-regional differences. The units reported on different types and frequency of forum for patient plan discussion and how to end a NSSC-CPP. CONCLUSION The NSSC-CPP is implemented with great regional and intra-regional differences in Denmark. GPs face different requirements when referring to the NSSC-CPP, which indicates that the division of role and responsibility between GPs and the diagnostic units is not well defined.KEY POINTSIn Denmark, the cancer patient pathway for non-specific symptoms and signs of cancer (NSSC-CPP) has been implemented with variations, but little is known about these different modalities. This study showed that both at a regional and an intra-regional level:•General practitioners meet different implementation of national guidelines in the diagnostic units when referring to the NSSCP-CPP•The suitable patient group for the NSSC-CPP is not well defined•Quality criteria are needed to monitor, evaluate and improve the diagnostic work-up for patients with non-specific symptoms and signs of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sadolin Damhus
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark
- Survivorship and Inequality in Cancer, The Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- CONTACT Christina Sadolin Damhus The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Volkert Siersma
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton
- Survivorship and Inequality in Cancer, The Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Naestved, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Primary Health Care Research Unit, Region Zealand, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Byskov Petersen G, Sadolin Damhus C, Ryborg Jønsson AB, Brodersen J. The perception gap: how the benefits and harms of cervical cancer screening are understood in information material focusing on informed choice. Health, Risk & Society 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2020.1778645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Byskov Petersen
- Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Christina Sadolin Damhus
- Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Alexandra Brandt Ryborg Jønsson
- The Research Unit for General Practice in Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- The Research Unit for General Practice in Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Primary Health Care Research Unit, Zealand Region, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Background Telerehabilitation (TR) aimed at patients with COPD has shown promising effects on symptoms, physical function, and quality of life, but little research has been conducted to understand the impact of implementation on frontline health professionals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the barriers and enablers of health professionals to online exercise-based TR in patients with COPD, to support a successful implementation process. Methods Semistructured individual and focus group interviews were conducted with 25 health professionals working with conventional COPD rehabilitation or TR. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Investigator triangulation was applied during data generation. The Theoretical Domains Framework directed the interview guide and was used as a coding framework in the analysis. Results We identified six predominant domains essential in understanding the enablers and barriers of TR from a staff perspective: 1) skills, 2) professional role and identity, 3) beliefs about capabilities, 4) beliefs about consequences, 5) environmental context and resources, and 6) social influences. We found that health professionals held both enablers and barriers important for the implementation process of TR. TR introduces new work tasks and new ways for the health professionals to communicate and exercise with the patients, which influence their professional role and self-perceived capability. Conclusion Specific attention toward involvement of the health professionals in the decision process combined with sufficient education and skill training is highly essential to support a successful implementation of TR in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sadolin Damhus
- Research Unit of Chronic Diseases and Telemedicine - Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, henrik.hansen.09.regionh.dk
| | - Christina Emme
- Department of Quality and Education, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hansen
- Research Unit of Chronic Diseases and Telemedicine - Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, henrik.hansen.09.regionh.dk
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Damhus CS, Byskov Petersen G, Ploug T, Brodersen J. Informed or misinformed choice? Framing effects in a national information pamphlet on colorectal cancer screening. Health, Risk & Society 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/13698575.2018.1499877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas Ploug
- Centre for Applied Ethics and Philosophy of Science, Department of Communication, Aalborg University Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John Brodersen
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen K, Denmark
- The Primary Health Care Research Unit, Zealand Region, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|