Colonoscopic surveillance for family history of colorectal cancer: are NHMRC guidelines being followed?
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether referrals for surveillance colonoscopy and subsequent follow-up recommendations for patients with a family history of colorectal cancer concurred with the published National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines.


METHODS
A prospective audit of patients with a family history of colorectal cancer referred for surveillance colonoscopy. Follow-up recommendations were assessed retrospectively.


METHODS
All patients referred to a major teaching hospital for surveillance colonoscopy on the basis of a family history of colorectal cancer from 2 January 2000-15 April 2001.


METHODS
Concurrence of referrals and recommendations with NHMRC guidelines.


RESULTS
Of 340 patients referred because of a family history of colorectal cancer, 202 (83 men, 119 women) were asymptomatic. Their mean age was 50 years (95% CI, 48.3-51.6 years). The family history of 95 (47%) of these patients satisfied the NHMRC criteria for colonoscopic surveillance. Another 20 patients (17%) satisfied the criteria, but were referred before the recommended age to commence surveillance. Analysis by referral source showed that the proportion of referrals meeting NHMRC guidelines was higher from specialists than from general practitioners (75% v 45%), and this difference was significant. Follow-up recommendations, when made, concurred with NHMRC guidelines in 81% of cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Further education of the medical community is required to increase understanding of colorectal screening strategies and ensure appropriate resource allocation.
Yusoff
Ian F
IF
Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA.
Hoffman
Neville E
NE
Ee
Hooi C
HC
D000465:Algorithms; D001315:Australia; D003113:Colonoscopy; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008511:Medicine; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013038:Specialization