1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. Results 36 participants interviewed:
19 service users (aged years)
17 practitioners (aged 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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