Navigating perceived overdiagnosis and overtreatment: a sociological analysis of the experiences of people who decline treatment for anomalies identif

An investigation into whether and how the concept of 'overdiagnosis' in medicine informs: (a) the decision-making process; and (b) the experiences of individuals who decline screening and/or medical intervention. The focus will be on the experiences of people who decline screening, treatment, future screening invitations and/or other recommended medical interventions after being invited to participate in the NHS breast screening programme.

Key research questions will include:
How do people who decline screening/intervention account for their decisions, within and beyond the healthcare system?
How do 'decliners' draw on and balance discourses of risk, obligation, uncertainty and responsibility?
Does the concept of overdiagnosis have relevance beyond a clinical context?

Qualitative methodology will bring critical attention to the experiential realities of individuals as they make decisions and negotiate these, both with healthcare professionals and in their wider social/familial networks. The main data will comprise semi-structured interviews with individuals who decline treatment. Interviews will be analysed with a particular focus on the discourses participants draw on to frame both their decisions and their explanations for these. Interviews will be supplemented with a documentary analysis of relevant material, e.g. patient information leaflets, policy documents, and clinical guidelines