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A qualitative exploration of the use of calendar landmarking instruments in cancer symptom research

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Nicola HallORCiD

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

© 2014 Mills et al. Background: Late diagnosis is considered to be a major factor contributing to poorer cancer survival rates in the UK. Interventions have focussed on the promotion of earlier diagnosis in patients with potential cancer symptoms. However, to assess the effectiveness of these interventions, the time from symptom onset to presentation needs to be reliably and accurately measured. This qualitative study explored the use of calendar landmarking instruments in cancer symptom research. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of transcripts of interviews using the calendar landmarking instrument, undertaken with patients who had either been diagnosed with cancer (n = 40, IRCO study, Western Australia), or who had symptoms suggestive of cancer (n = 38, SYMPTOM study, North East and Eastern England). We used constant comparison methods to identify use of the calendar landmarking instruments and the impact of their application. Results: The calendar landmarking instrument appeared to help many patients, either by acting as a prompt or helping to refine recall of events. A combination of personal (e.g. birthday) and national (e.g. Christmas) landmarks seemed to be the most effective. Calendar landmarking instruments appeared more useful where the time period between onset of symptoms and date of first consultation was less than three months. The interviewee's age, gender and cancer type did not appear to influence whether or not the instrument facilitated recall, and there were no instances where the use of the instrument resulted in the disclosure of a new first symptom. Symptoms of similar chronic conditions could create difficulties when applying the instrument; it was difficult for these participants to characterise and disentangle their symptoms which prompted their decisions to seek help. Some participants tended to prefer to use their own, already personalised, diaries to assist in their recall of events. Conclusions: This study is the first to describe the potential role of calendar landmarking instruments to support research interviews which explore symptoms and events along the cancer diagnostic pathway. The major challenge remains as to whether they actually improve accuracy of recall.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Mills K, Emery J, Cheung C, Hall N, Birt L, Walter FM

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: BMC Family Practice

Year: 2014

Volume: 15

Issue: 1

Online publication date: 25/10/2014

Acceptance date: 06/10/2014

Date deposited: 13/09/2021

ISSN (electronic): 1471-2296

Publisher: BioMed Central Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-014-0167-8

DOI: 10.1186/s12875-014-0167-8

PubMed id: 25344200


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Funding

Funder referenceFunder name
572765

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