Teaching sigmoidoscopy to primary care physicians: a controlled study of continuing medical education

A sigmoidoscopy skills preceptorship was developed for physicians to increase the rate of sigmoidoscopy by physicians in a health maintenance organization. The preceptorship was designed as a randomized, controlled study of continuing medical education. Baseline sigmoidoscopy rates of participating physicians were similar to those of nonparticipants, as were selected demographic and professional characteristics. Physicians randomized to receive sigmoidoscopy training significantly increased their rate of sigmoidoscopy when compared with controls. The proportion of barium enemas accompanied by sigmoidoscopy likewise increased. All physicians who participated improved when compared with nonparticipants. The sigmoidoscopy skills preceptorship appears to be a worthwhile endeavor in continuing medical education.