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Poor Knowledge of Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance Guidelines in a National Cohort of Digestive Disease Specialists

Digestive Diseases and Sciences volume 64, pages 391–400 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is cost-effective and prevents death from CRC if used appropriately. Physicians do not recommend CRC screening according to guidelines. Physician-related factors associated with CRC screening knowledge are unknown.

Aims

We tested the accuracy of CRC screening knowledge in a nationwide cohort of practicing and trainee physicians and assessed respondent’s interest in a mobile app to improve appropriate CRC screening use.

Methods

An electronic survey was emailed to practicing gastroenterology professionals and medical and surgical trainees. We assessed accuracy of responses compared to CRC screening and surveillance guidelines. We assessed factors associated with higher accuracy of knowledge, frequency of workplace smartphone use, and interest in a smartphone app to aid CRC screening and surveillance recommendations.

Results

In total, 1432 responses were received. Hundred percent accuracy was noted in 22% of respondents for screening and 37% for surveillance. Factors associated with higher accuracy of screening guidelines included more recent training completion; academic practice; performing 21–100 colonoscopies per month (vs. < 21 or > 100). Higher accuracy of surveillance guidelines was associated with more recent training completion; academic practice; being a third-year fellow. In total, 53% use smartphones at least “often” in patient care. In total, 87% would use a CRC screening and surveillance smartphone app.

Conclusions

Accuracy in applying CRC screening guidelines by gastroenterologists is poor. Smartphone use for patient care is prevalent. Our data show a high interest in a CRC screening/surveillance mobile app. Mobile tools appear an opportunity for rapid access and an increased adherence to CRC screening guidelines.

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Author information

Author notes

  1. Rushad Patell and Abhishek Karwa have contributed equally.

Affiliations

  1. Department of Hematology Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA

    Rushad Patell

  2. Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Abhishek Karwa

  3. Center for Populations Health Research, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Rocio Lopez

  4. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Desk A30, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA

    Carol A. Burke

Authors
  1. Rushad Patell
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  2. Abhishek Karwa
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  3. Rocio Lopez
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  4. Carol A. Burke
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carol A. Burke.

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Patell, R., Karwa, A., Lopez, R. et al. Poor Knowledge of Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance Guidelines in a National Cohort of Digestive Disease Specialists. Dig Dis Sci 64, 391–400 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-018-5339-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-018-5339-2

Keywords

  • Colorectal neoplasm
  • Guideline
  • Gastroenterologists
  • Preventive medicine