Questionnaire on clinical guidelines for the management of lung cancer

Objective. With the support of the Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Lung Cancer were published in 2003. The objectives of this study are to assess how the guidelines have been used by surgeons and physicians and to survey their opinions on it. Methods. A questionnaire was designed and sent to 530 hospitals which were certified as training sites for chest surgeons by the Japanese Association for Chest Surgery or which have members of the Japan Lung Cancer Society on their staff. Results. A total of 785 doctors in 260 hospitals answered the questionnaire. More than 80% of the participants had used the guidelines. In more than half, the purpose for using them was for choosing the treatment or for informed consent. Approximately 70% of the participants answered that the guidelines had an influence on their practice, most of which was making their clinical decisions and explanation to their patients easier. The participants gave us many useful opinions including requests for revision. Conclusion. This study revealed that the guidelines were utilized by many surgeons and physicians. It also indicated that the publication of the guidelines contributed to their management of lung cancer. There were many suggestions for the guidelines which should be helpful for its revision currently conducted by the Japan Lung Cancer Society.