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Physician knowledge and appropriate utilization of computed tomographic colonography in colorectal cancer screening

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Abstract

Goals

To assess physician understanding of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines in a pilot study.

Background

CTC is a sensitive and specific method of detecting colorectal polyps and cancer. However, several factors have limited its clinical availability, and CRC screening guidelines have issued conflicting recommendations.

Study

A web-based survey was administered to physicians at two institutions with and without routine CTC availability.

Results

398 of 1655 (24%) participants completed the survey, 59% was from the institution with routine CTC availability, 52% self-identified as trainees, and 15% as gastroenterologists. 78% had no personal experience with CTC. Only 12% was aware of any current CRC screening guidelines that included CTC. In a multiple regression model, gastroenterologists had greater odds of being aware of guidelines (OR 3.49, CI 1.67–7.26), as did physicians with prior CTC experience (OR 4.81, CI 2.39–9.68), controlling for institution, level of training, sex, and practice type. Based on guidelines that recommend CTC, when given a clinical scenario, 96% of physicians was unable to select the appropriate follow-up after a CTC, which was unaffected by institution.

Conclusions

Most physicians have limited experience with CTC and are unaware of recent recommendations concerning CTC in CRC screening.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Muzzi Mirza Pancreatic Cancer Prevention and Genetics Program, and Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168th Street, Box 83, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Matthew S. Chang, Sunil Amin, Susana Gonzalez, Elizabeth C. Verna & Harold Frucht

  2. Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA

    Jessica P. Shah & Don C. Rockey

  3. Department of Radiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 622 West 168th Street, New York, NY, USA

    Joan C. Prowda & Joan M. Cheng

Authors
  1. Matthew S. Chang
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  2. Jessica P. Shah
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  3. Sunil Amin
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  4. Susana Gonzalez
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  5. Joan C. Prowda
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  6. Joan M. Cheng
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  7. Elizabeth C. Verna
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  8. Don C. Rockey
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  9. Harold Frucht
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Harold Frucht.

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Chang, M.S., Shah, J.P., Amin, S. et al. Physician knowledge and appropriate utilization of computed tomographic colonography in colorectal cancer screening. Abdom Imaging 36, 524–531 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-011-9698-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-011-9698-9

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