Introduction: In Ireland, lung cancer significantly impacts public health, with late detection being a critical issue. Despite the potential benefits of low-dose CT scans for early detection in high-risk groups, Ireland currently lacks a formal Lung Cancer Screening (LCS) program. This study, a collaboration with the National Screening Service, aims to explore risk stratification methodologies appropriate for the Irish healthcare context. It focuses on societal attitudes, healthcare professional preferences, and the utility of simulation modelling in LCS, incorporating co-design principles and involving Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) partners.
Objective: To develop and validate a risk stratification model for LCS that is culturally sensitive, ethically sound, and tailored to Ireland’s healthcare landscape, aiming to enhance screening precision, improve early detection rates, and inform future healthcare policies.
Methods: Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the project encompasses:
Community Jury Study: To engage with the public on their views towards LCS, ensuring the strategy aligns with societal values.
Think-Aloud Interviews with GPs: To understand the decision-making processes affecting LCS recommendations, identifying facilitators and barriers.
Discrete Choice Experiments (DCE): To determine the preferences of both the public and healthcare professionals regarding LCS attributes.
Simulation Modelling: To use data-driven insights and trial outcomes, such as those from the NELSON trial, to assess the efficacy of different LCS strategies in the Irish healthcare system.
Expected Outcomes: The project aims to establish a risk stratification model ensuring LCS’s effectiveness and efficiency in Ireland, informed by a comprehensive understanding of community and healthcare professional perspectives and co-design processes.
Conclusion: By combining community perspectives, healthcare professional insights, and advanced modelling techniques, this study aims to lay the groundwork for a national LCS program in Ireland, thereby transforming lung cancer detection in Ireland.