Utilization of colorectal cancer screening tests: a 1997 survey of Massachusetts internists.
BACKGROUND
Physician noncompliance with screening recommendations has been a major barrier to effective colorectal cancer control. The overall objectives of this study were to assess the current attitudes and screening behavior of primary care physicians in light of new efficacy data, revised guidelines, improved technology, and more widespread insurance coverage.


METHODS
Questionnaires inquiring about knowledge, beliefs, and practice patterns related to colorectal cancer screening were mailed in mid-1997 to 700 randomly selected Massachusetts internists.


RESULTS
The overall response rate was 63%. Nearly 60% of respondents reported an increase in screening behavior during the past 5 years. Most (80%) were aware of at least one set of screening guidelines and 90% reported utilizing one or more recommended screening strategies. Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT), alone (47%) or in combination with flexible sigmoidoscopy (50%), was the preferred strategy for most respondents. Colonoscopy was rarely utilized (5%) despite high perceived effectiveness. Concern about patient compliance was a significant determinant of FOBT utilization, whereas perceived effectiveness, concerns about time or efficacy data, prior procedural training, date of licensure, and use of instructional materials were independent determinants of sigmoidoscopy utilization.


CONCLUSIONS
Massachusetts' internists report high rates of utilization of select colorectal cancer screening strategies. Future studies must validate self-reported compliance and explore barriers to screening colonoscopy.
Schroy
P C
PC
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Boston University, MA 02118, USA. paul.schrov@bmc.org
Geller
A C
AC
Crosier Wood
M
M
Page
M
M
Sutherland
L
L
Holm
L J
LJ
Heeren
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003113:Colonoscopy / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005243:Feces; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008404:Massachusetts; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D009780:Occult Blood; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012812:Sigmoidoscopy / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires