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Primary care physicians' decisions to perform flexible sigmoidoscopy.
J D Lewis1, D A Asch, G G Ginsberg
1Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|May 26, 1999
Summary
Many primary care physicians trained in flexible sigmoidoscopy do not perform the procedure. Inefficiency and staff availability are key barriers to offering this colorectal cancer screening in practice.
Area of Science:
- Primary Care Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Preventive Health
Background:
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy is a key screening tool for colorectal cancer.
- Understanding physician adoption barriers is crucial for improving screening rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors influencing primary care physicians' (PCPs) willingness to perform flexible sigmoidoscopy.
- To explore barriers to integrating flexible sigmoidoscopy into primary care practice.
Main Methods:
- A mailed questionnaire surveyed 161 PCPs in a large health care system.
- Data collected on training, practice patterns, and beliefs regarding colorectal cancer screening.
- Factors influencing the decision to perform flexible sigmoidoscopy were assessed.
Main Results:
- 52% of surveyed PCPs reported training in flexible sigmoidoscopy; 53% of those performed it.
- Key barriers included time, staff availability, and existing services.
- Male physicians were more likely to perform or desire training (OR 2.61).
Conclusions:
- Half of trained PCPs do not perform flexible sigmoidoscopy in practice.
- Perceived inefficiency in office-based procedures deters PCPs from offering this service.
- Addressing these barriers may improve colorectal cancer screening delivery.