Perceptions of Iowa family physicians regarding colorectal cancer screening

Barcey T Levy; Mrinalini Joshi; Yinghui Xu; Jeanette Daly; Paul A James

doi:10.1097/MLR.0b013e31817c6100

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Perceptions of Iowa family physicians regarding colorectal cancer screening

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Perceptions of Iowa family physicians regarding colorectal cancer screening

Barcey T Levy, Mrinalini Joshi, Yinghui Xu, Jeanette Daly and Paul A James

Medical care, Vol.46(9 Suppl 1), pp.S103-S108

09/2008

DOI: 10.1097/MLR.0b013e31817c6100

PMID: 18725821

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Abstract

Fewer than half of Americans have been screened for colorectal cancer (CRC), a largely preventable disease. All physician members (n = 1030) of the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians were mailed a 3-page investigator-developed survey about their attitudes, barriers, and practices regarding CRC screening. The usable response rate was 29%. Forty-three percent practiced in rural settings. Ninety-five percent felt that they were well informed about American Cancer Society guidelines and 90% tried to follow the guidelines. Most doctors (88%) disagreed with the statement that there was "no time to adequately discuss screening," but they would like more time to discuss screening. Only 40% felt their medical records were organized to easily determine screening status, 40% encouraged office staff to participate in screening, and 16% had a written policy regarding CRC screening. Physicians estimated that they recommend screening to 78% of their patients and that 54% of their patients were actually up-to-date. Discussion of CRC screening was strongly dependent on visit type, with physicians estimating that CRC screening is discussed at 11% of acute visits, 42% of chronic visits, and 87% of health maintenance visits. Several office system factors were associated with a recommendation for screening in a multivariable linear regression model (R = 0.33). Although nearly all physicians felt that they were well informed about American Cancer Society guidelines and tried to follow guidelines for CRC screening, few had office systems to facilitate screening. Physicians would like more time to discuss screening. Office systems likely have the most potential to improve CRC screening among patients attending primary care practices.

Office Visits - statistics & numerical data

Attitude of Health Personnel

Humans

Middle Aged

Rural Health Services - statistics & numerical data

Colorectal Neoplasms - prevention & control

Patient Education as Topic - statistics & numerical data

Male

Physician-Patient Relations

Data Collection

Colorectal Neoplasms - diagnosis

Practice Patterns, Physicians' - statistics & numerical data

Iowa

Adult

Female

Urban Health Services - statistics & numerical data

Aged

Diagnostic Tests, Routine - statistics & numerical data

Family Practice - statistics & numerical data

Practice Guidelines as Topic

Details

Title: Subtitle: Perceptions of Iowa family physicians regarding colorectal cancer screening
Creators: Barcey T Levy - From the Department of Family Medicine, Pomerantz Family Pavilion, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA. barcey-levy@uiowa.edu
Mrinalini Joshi
Yinghui Xu
Jeanette Daly
Paul A James
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Medical care, Vol.46(9 Suppl 1), pp.S103-S108
Publisher: United States
DOI: 10.1097/MLR.0b013e31817c6100
PMID: 18725821
ISSN: 0025-7079
eISSN: 1537-1948
Grant note: R21 HS014490 / AHRQ HHS
Language: English
Date published: 09/2008
Academic Unit: Epidemiology; Family and Community Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984024515102771

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