TY - JOUR T1 - Developing a complex intervention to reduce time to presentation with symptoms of lung cancer JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - e605 LP - e615 DO - 10.3399/bjgp12X654579 VL - 62 IS - 602 AU - Sarah M Smith AU - Peter Murchie AU - Graham Devereux AU - Marie Johnston AU - Amanda J Lee AU - Una Macleod AU - Marianne C Nicolson AU - Rachael Powell AU - Lewis D Ritchie AU - Sally Wyke AU - Neil C Campbell Y1 - 2012/09/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/62/602/e605.abstract N2 - Background Lung cancer is the commonest cause of cancer in Scotland and is usually advanced at diagnosis. Median time between symptom onset and consultation is 14 weeks, so an intervention to prompt earlier presentation could support earlier diagnosis and enable curative treatment in more cases.Aim To develop and optimise an intervention to reduce the time between onset and first consultation with symptoms that might indicate lung cancer.Design and setting Iterative development of complex healthcare intervention according to the MRC Framework conducted in Northeast Scotland.Method The study produced a complex intervention to promote early presentation of lung cancer symptoms. An expert multidisciplinary group developed the first draft of the intervention based on theory and existing evidence. This was refined following focus groups with health professionals and high-risk patients.Results First draft intervention components included: information communicated persuasively, demonstrations of early consultation and its benefits, behaviour change techniques, and involvement of spouses/partners. Focus groups identified patient engagement, achieving behavioural change, and conflict at the patient–general practice interface as challenges and measures were incorporated to tackle these. Final intervention delivery included a detailed self-help manual and extended consultation with a trained research nurse at which specific action plans were devised.Conclusion The study has developed an intervention that appeals to patients and health professionals and has theoretical potential for benefit. Now it requires evaluation. ER -