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01-09-2019 | Care | Original article

Variation in colorectal cancer testing between primary care physicians: a cross-sectional study in Switzerland

Authors: Alexander Leonhard Braun, Emanuele Prati, Yonas Martin, Charles Dvořák, Kali Tal, Nikola Biller-Andorno, Jean-Luc Bulliard, Jacques Cornuz, Kevin Selby, Reto Auer

Published in: International Journal of Public Health | Issue 7/2019

Abstract

Objectives

To determine the proportion of 50–75-year-old patients who visit a primary care physician’s (PCP) office and were tested for colorectal cancer (CRC) by either colonoscopy within 10 years or fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) within 2 years. To describe the variation in care between PCPs and factors associated with these proportions.

Methods

Cross-sectional data collected between April and December 2017. Participants: PCPs reporting for the Swiss Sentinel Surveillance Network. Each PCP collected demographic data and CRC testing status from 40 consecutive patients. Measurements: proportions of patients up to date with CRC screening and method used (colonoscopy/FOBT/Other); variation in the outcome measures between PCPs; association of physician-level factors with main outcomes.

Results

91/129 PCPs collected data from 3451 patients; 45% had been tested for CRC within recommended intervals (41% colonoscopy, 4% FOBT). The proportions of patients tested and testing with colonoscopy versus FOBT varied widely between PCPs. Language region was associated with PCPs’ rate of FOBT prescription.

Conclusions

Less than half of patients who visited PCPs in Switzerland were tested for CRC within recommended intervals. PCPs varied widely in their testing practices.

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Title: Variation in colorectal cancer testing between primary care physicians: a cross-sectional study in Switzerland
Authors: Alexander Leonhard Braun
Emanuele Prati
Yonas Martin
Charles Dvořák
Kali Tal
Nikola Biller-Andorno
Jean-Luc Bulliard
Jacques Cornuz
Kevin Selby
Reto Auer
Publication date: 01-09-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Keywords: Care
Colonoscopy
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal Cancer
Published in: International Journal of Public Health / Issue 7/2019
Print ISSN: 1661-8556
Electronic ISSN: 1661-8564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-019-01259-4

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Variation in colorectal cancer testing between primary care physicians: a cross-sectional study in Switzerland

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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