Physician-reported reasons for limited follow-up of patients with a positive fecal occult blood test screening result

Nadeem Baig, Ronald E. Myers, Barbara J. Turner, James Grana, Todd Rothermel, Neil Schlackman, David S. Weinberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) screening can reduce colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality when patients with an abnormal result [FOBT(+)] undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation (colonoscopy or double-contrast barium enema with or without flexible sigmoidoscopy). The aim of this study was to determine common reasons for nonperformance of a complete diagnostic evaluation. METHODS: We identified 544 FOBT(+) patients, aged 50 yr or older, who had participated in a managed care organization-sponsored CRC screening program. The performance of a complete diagnostic evaluation was determined from a patient-specific follow-up form and managed care organization claims data. Physicians were asked to report whether patients submitted to a complete diagnostic evaluation. When an evaluation was not done, the physicians were also asked to state the reasons for nonperformance. RESULTS: A total of 248 (46%) patients did not undergo a complete diagnostic evaluation. Physicians provided reasons for nonperformance for 50% (123/248). Factors accounting for nonperformance of a complete diagnostic evaluation were classified as follows: primary care physician decision (50%); specialist decision (28%); patient decision (17%); and other (practice-related) (5%). Many failures to complete an appropriate diagnostic evaluation were due to providers deciding to repeat the FOBT, perform a sigmoidoscopy, or not to proceed with any further testing. CONCLUSION: Many patients with a positive FOBT do not receive a complete diagnostic evaluation. The reasons for nonperformance most frequently have to do with physician decision making. Many physician-related explanations do not conform to expert recommendations for appropriate follow-up.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2078-2081
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican Journal of Gastroenterology
Volume98
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2003

Keywords

  • Aged
  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Colonoscopy/standards
  • Colorectal Neoplasms/prevention & control
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data
  • Health Maintenance Organizations
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening/standards
  • Middle Aged
  • Occult Blood
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Risk Assessment
  • United States

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