Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with survival largely determined by the stage at diagnosis. While low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening reduces mortality, no population-based screening programme is currently implemented in Belgium, altough interest is increasing. However, its success will not only depend on participation but also on informed, well-considered choices, which are linked to better adherence and ethically sound practice. Shared decision-making (SDM) can play a central role in fostering such value-congruent participation, yet its implementation relies heavily on healthcare professionals (HCPs). Understanding how HCPs perceive their role, preparedness, and interprofessional responsibilities is crucial for developing ethically sound and feasible decision-making strategies for lung cancer screening. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among HCPs in Flanders involved in lung cancer prevention, detection, and care (N = 415). The questionnaire assessed perceptions of patient autonomy, professional guidance, and roles in supporting decision-making about potential population-based lung cancer screening. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, with group comparisons across gender, profession, and experience. Participants represented general practitioners (49%), pharmacists (29%), tobacco treatment specialists (11%), and medical specialists (11%). Confidence in patients’ ability to make an informed participation decision was moderate (M = 6.08/10), while willingness to support patients was high (M = 7.93/10). More than 85% of participants preferred models in which the patient makes the final decision, either independently or after considering the HCP’s advice, suggesting broad support for patient autonomy alongside some reservations about patients’ ability to make an independent choice. Nevertheless, intentions to apply SDM-consistent decision support behaviours in response to invitees’ questions were generally high across professional groups. Familiarity with SDM, however, was moderate overall (M = 6.23/10) but varied significantly across professions and experience levels, with pharmacists and tobacco treatment specialists reporting lower knowledge. HCPs report only moderate confidence in patients’ decisional capability to make an autonomous decision about participation in lung cancer screening, yet they endorse patient involvement and express strong willingness to provide decision support. Strengthening decision-support tools, training, and interprofessional collaboration structures among HCPs will be vital to translate patient-centred decision-making into routine cancer screening practice. Not applicable.
Michiels et al. (Fri,) studied this question.