Supplementing factual information with patient narratives in the cancer screening context: a qualitative study of acceptability and preferences

Bennett, K. F., von Wagner, C. and Robb, K. (2015) Supplementing factual information with patient narratives in the cancer screening context: a qualitative study of acceptability and preferences. Health Expectations, 18(6), pp. 2032-2041. (doi: 10.1111/hex.12357) (PMID:25728262) (PMCID:PMC4737095)

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Abstract

Objective To explore people's responses to narrative information in the context of colorectal cancer screening. Design nineteen in-depth interviews were conducted with men and women (aged 45–59). Participants were given two types of colorectal screening information to read: factual and narrative. Participants gave their views on both types of information. Data were analysed using Framework Analysis. Results The most frequent responses to the narrative information were that they were reassuring, made colorectal screening more vivid, participants could relate to the people in the stories and they liked the range of narratives presented. Despite the narrative information being seen as more persuasive by some, this was not regarded as manipulative or negative. Both types of information were seen as equally credible. Participants felt a combination of facts and narratives would be useful when considering an offer of colorectal cancer screening. Conclusion Overall, participants were positive about the addition of narrative information to the currently provided factual information about colorectal cancer screening. Supplementing existing factual information with narrative information may provide participants with a more complete understanding of participation in colorectal cancer screening when considering an offer to be screened.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Robb, Professor Katie
Authors: Bennett, K. F., von Wagner, C., and Robb, K.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
Journal Name:Health Expectations
Publisher:Blackwell
ISSN:1369-6513
ISSN (Online):1369-7625
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in Health Expectations 18(6):2032-2041
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
623641"Analytic" and "emotional" information processing: implications for public understanding of cancerKathryn RobbCancer Research UK (CAN-RES-UK)8933IHW - MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING