Objectives This review synthesised evidence from studies about the perceptions and experiences of primary care doctors (PCDs) regarding the factors that influenced or inhibited their decision to recommend cancer screening. Design Qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) following the ENTREQ (Enhancing Transparency in Reporting the Synthesis of Qualitative Research) guideline.
Data sources MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase and the Cochrane Library for eligible studies that were published between 1 January 2000 and 22 January 2025. Eligibility criteria We included peer-reviewed studies which involved PCDs (in private or public settings in any country), covered cancer screening guideline recommendations and written in English.
Data extraction and synthesis Two independent reviewers conducted article screening, data extraction, quality assessment and coding. The review team discussed, reviewed, and refined the descriptive themes and analytical themes to reach higher-level interpretation.
Results Nine studies were included in this QES. The synthesis of evidence identified three main analytical themes.
BMJ Open published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 25 May 2026.
The item focuses on What influences the decision by primary care doctors to recommend cancer screening?
A qualitative evidence synthesis.
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