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Stool specimen collection is challenging and informal feedback has indicated that participants find the process difficult. Increasing stool specimen returns would improve the investigation of outbreaks of diarrhoeal and food-borne disease.

To explore the barriers to stool sample collection and specimen return to ascertain which factors may help to improve the process.

Qualitative patient interview study in Gloucester, UK.

A two-stage purposive sampling process was used to identify patients who had either previous experience or no experience of collecting a stool sample. The interview schedule, based on the theory of planned behaviour, was used to facilitate interviews with 26 patients. Interview transcripts were analysed using a modified framework analysis.

Barriers to collection included embarrassment, fear of results, concerns around hygiene and contamination …