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Education program for general practitioners on breast and cervical cancer screening: a randomized trial. PRE.SA.GF
J P Boissel1, J P Collet, A Alborini
1Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Lyon.
Revue D'Epidemiologie Et De Sante Publique
|December 1, 1995
Summary
An educational program for general practitioners (GPs) showed mixed results in cancer screening test prescribing. While it increased mammography for older women, it decreased cervical smear tests, highlighting the need for careful message delivery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Medical Education
Background:
- General practitioners play a crucial role in cancer screening program participation.
- Optimizing GP prescribing behavior for cervical and breast cancer screening is essential for early detection and improved patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on general practitioners' (GPs) prescribing habits for cervical and breast cancer screening tests.
- To assess the feasibility of GP involvement in cancer screening programs through an educational initiative.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 278 general practices in Haute-Savoie, France.
- Intervention group received a one-day seminar on breast and cervical cancer screening; control group did not.
- Prescribing data for mammography and cervical smear tests were collected from laboratories and radiologists over the following year.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in overall mammography prescriptions between groups (19.3 vs. 15.2 per practice).
- The intervention group prescribed significantly more mammographies for women over 50 (p=0.038).
- Fewer cervical smear tests were prescribed by the intervention group (40.5 vs. 46.1 per practice), with more practices prescribing none (p=0.007).
Conclusions:
- Educational programs can influence GP participation in cancer screening.
- Intervention messages require careful design to avoid unintended negative consequences, such as reduced cervical screening.
- Further research is needed to refine educational strategies for effective cancer screening promotion.