Primary Care Provider Perceptions about Multi-Cancer early Detection Test Use in Cancer Screening

Context: Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests are being developed for use in cancer screening. There is a dearth of information on primary care provider perceptions about MCED test use.

Objective: To assess primary care provider perceptions related to MCED test use.

Study Design and Analysis: Single group pilot study.

Setting or Dataset: Four primary care practices in a large urban health system.

Population Studied: Thirty-seven primary care providers.

Intervention/Instrument: Self-administered online survey.

Outcome Measures: Provider perceived competence in MCED test use, as the average of 4 items measured on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = Strongly Disagree to 5 = Strongly Agree; alpha = 0.81); the influence of various concerns on provider receptivity to MCED test use, as the average of 11 items measured on a 5-point scale (1 = No influence to 5 = Overwhelming influence; alpha = 0.83); and the likelihood of ordering MCED testing in the future.

Results: Twenty-seven (73%) providers (22 physicians and 5 nurse practitioners) completed the survey. Background characteristics were: < 60 years of age (69%), female (50%), and white (62%). Twenty one (76%) respondents were aware that MCED tests are being developed. The mean (standard deviation) score for perceived competence in managing MCED testing was 4.0 (0.6). The mean (standard deviation) score for the influence of concerns about MCED test use was 3.4 (0.7); with 70% of providers reporting a lot or an overwhelming level of concern about patient insurance coverage. Twenty-two (81%) providers indicated they were likely to order MCED testing in the future.

Conclusion: Most providers were aware that MCED tests are being developed and felt capable of managing MCED testing in clinical care. Provider concerns indicate some reticence about offering MCED testing at this time, but most providers were open to MCED testing in the future. In anticipation of MCED test availability for cancer screening, research is needed to identify factors that are likely to affect provider support for and use of such testing in clinical practice.