title: CT colonography: a survey of general practitioners' knowledge and interest.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To verify the knowledge and interest of general practitioners on computed tomography colonography (CTC).
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2014, a Web-based questionnaire was proposed to all general practitioners of [Milan, Italy]. The questionnaire consisted of ten questions concerning general practitioners' knowledge about CTC, including application of guidelines in clinical scenarios and diagnostic performance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 1,053 general practitioners, 231 (22%), 155 men and 76 women (mean age 58 years), completed the survey. We found a significant difference between the age of responders and that of non-responders (p = 0.0033). Of the 231 responders, 84% were aware of the possibility of using CTC as a method for examining the colon-rectum. However, only 57% were aware about low X-ray exposure delivered by CTC and about the possibility of using a reduced cleansing protocol. Only 48% were aware that CTC accuracy in diagnosing 10-mm or larger polyps and colorectal cancers was similar to that of conventional colonoscopy, while 62% were informed about CTC advantages in comparison with double-contrast barium enema; 59% thought that CTC had a potential role as a screening test; 85-86% suggested CTC in the case of refused or incomplete conventional colonoscopy; 79% suggested immediate conventional colonoscopy in the case of at least one 10-mm polyp. About 54% usually prescribe one CTC every 4-6 months, while 36% never have, 3% one CTC per month, and 7% one every 2-3 months. Ninety-four per cent declared that they were willing to attend a course on CTC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  General practitioners have limited knowledge concerning CTC. Radiological societies should fill this gap offering dedicated educational initiatives.
authors.affiliation: Unità Operativa di Radiologia Diagnostica e Interventistica, Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy. nicola.flor@unimi.it.|Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy. nicola.flor@unimi.it.
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Flor
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche, Oncologia e Anatomia Patologica, Università La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.|Unità Imaging diagnostico, Ospedale ICOT, Latina, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Laghi
authors.affiliation: Scuola di Specializzazione in Radiodiagnostica, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Mauro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peri
authors.affiliation: Unità Operativa di Radiologia Diagnostica e Interventistica, Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.|Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianpaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Cornalba
authors.affiliation: Unità di Radiologia, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Italy.|Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, Piazza E. Malan, 20097, San Donato Milanese, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sardanelli
mesh_terms: D023881:Colonography, Computed Tomographic; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Colonography; Colorectal cancer; Computed tomography; Medical education; Survey