Knowledge, Experiences and Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Survey of Health Care Providers Working in Primary Care Settings in Oman

Objective:The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge, experiences and perceived barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening (CRC) among healthcare providers (HCPs) working in primary care settings in Oman. Design and Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional design and self-administered questionnaires will be used to guide data collection from 250 HCPs. Quantitative data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests to examine potential relationships and differences among HCPs. Setting and Participants:The participants for the proposed study will be Omani HCPs working in Muscat area health centers. Main Outcomes: The main variables to be measured in this study include knowledge, experiences and perceived barriers to CRC screening. The results will provide baseline data about HCPs CRC screening knowledge, experiences and barriers. This information can be used to develop interventions to increase CRC awareness and screening. The investigators plan to use results of this study to design and implement a user-friendly and accessible online continuing education program for HCPs on CRC screening. Conclusions: Increased knowledge and evidence-based practices related to CRC screening can lead to early diagnosis; timely treatment for those affected and increased survival rates in Omani patients. The proposed study uniquely focuses on HCPs working in primary care settings who are in a position to adequately provide CRC prevention services through health education, counseling, screening and referral to bigger hospitals. By focusing on the primary care settings. HCPs working in primary health care settings are likely to get multiple contacts with clients eligible for CRC screening and therefore are more likely to have a good understanding of the barriers. The information gained from this study can be used to enhance access to CRC screening services, human resource capacity for cancer prevention, follow up care for eligible patients, and community awareness of CRC cancer and cancer screening in the Sultanate of Omani.