ONCODIR’s Focus Group Sessions: Mapping Structural Barriers & Facilitators in CRC Primary Prevention

During September and October 2024, the ONCODIR consortium took significant strides in advancing CRC primary prevention by organizing a series of engaging focus group sessions. These sessions brought together 36 healthcare experts and policymakers from across Europe, supported, organized & moderated by EUREGHA, EFPC, ESDO, INCLIVA, and UNIRIOJA. The primary aim was to foster constructive dialogue among participants, each bringing diverse viewpoints and backgrounds to the table.

Common Structural Barriers & Facilitators

Participants delved deep into identifying key structural barriers and facilitators to CRC prevention.

Here are some highlighted barriers:

• Political: Fragmented healthcare policies, bureaucratic obstacles, lack of political engagement, low public health prioritization.
• Economic: Insurance gaps, healthcare system funding, economic inequality, employment stability, unemployment, costly healthy lifestyle options.
• Societal: Social isolation, low community engagement, public perception, intergenerational attitudes, peer pressure.
• Technological: Accessibility, healthcare IT systems, low digital health literacy, poor telehealth adoption, cybersecurity concerns.
• Legal: Legislative gaps, regulatory delays, employment laws, data privacy regulations, legal liability.

And some key facilitators:

• Health Literacy: Improving knowledge about CRC prevention via ssupporting health education in schools and promoting lifelong learning programs especially for vulnerable & marginalized populations.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Effective communication campaigns, endorsed by governments and supported by various stakeholders, tailored to the underlying health information needs of the targeted population groups.

• Partnerships: Establishing community support groups, peer networks, and training community health workers can provide essential social support, particularly for lower socio-economic citizens.

By mapping out these barriers and their corresponding facilitators, the ONCODIR consortium has set a clear pathway for future initiatives. The collective expertise and collaborative spirit demonstrated during these focus groups underscore the potential for significant advancements in CRC prevention across Europe.

Stay tuned as we continue to share more findings and insights from these important discussions, aiming to enhance CRC prevention efforts and ultimately save lives.