Event: 30° Congresso dell’ Associazione Italiana di Psicologia- AIP- Sezione Clinica e Dinamica, Università degli Studi di Padova, 27- 30 Settembre 2022

Contribution: Healthcare professional narratives about involvement in cancer screening programs (AIP)

Authors: Daniela Lemmo, Maria Luisa Martino, Anna Rosa Donizzetti, Elvira Lorenzo, Angelo D’Argenzio, Daniela Caso

Abstract:  Preventive programs, including cancer screening are advantageous for early detection and treatments success. Therefore, the healthcare systems are making increasing efforts to ensure equity in access to preventive services inviting target populations to screening programs organized for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer risks. However, still several people do not participate. Within the One Health logic and action-research Miriade project founded by PRP Campania, this study aims to explore the dimensions that mediate the relationship between health services that provide cancer screening and target population. Forty semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals involved in the practices of the three cancer screenings. A theory-driven narrative methodology was adopted based on Penchansky & Thomas’ conceptualization of 5 dimensions of healthcare access: accessibility, affordability, availability, accommodation, acceptability. Main results show environmental resources and barriers, healthcare providers competences, health-literacy skills and emotional responses of the target population as narrative categories. Results suggest the psychological intervention trajectories to improve the individual involvement in cancer screening programs.