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Arain M, Reeb L, Miyagishima RC, Carter J, Novak KL. Primary Care Support Tools for Digestive Health Care: A Mixed Method Study. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 2024:6805365. [PMID: 39104577 PMCID: PMC11300069 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6805365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background To address the increasing demands for gastroenterology specialty care and increasing wait times, centralized access and triage (CAT) systems, telephone support, and clinical care pathways were implemented to streamline referrals and support management of low-risk gastrointestinal (GI) conditions in the primary care medical home. This study aimed to understand primary care providers (PCPs) and GI specialists' perceptions of these supports, factors that affect support implementation and identify barriers and facilitators for implementing supports from both PCP and GI specialists' perspectives. Methods We conducted a mixed method study including surveys and interviews with PCPs and GI specialists. Online surveys and semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted from July 2022 to September 2022. All interviews were transcribed and coded to perform a thematic analysis. Survey data were analyzed in SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize and describe the data collected. Inferential statistics were used to identify associations and relationships within the dataset. T-test and chi-square tests were applied at 95% confidence level, with a p value <0.05 (two-sided) considered statistically significant. Results A total of 36 PCPs responded to the survey. Most respondents were working full-time (73.5%, n = 25) and were female (73.5%, n = 25). Overall, 42% used the pathways regularly, 48% (n = 16) used them occasionally, and very few (9.1%, n = 3) said they were aware but had not used pathways. Overall, PCPs were satisfied with CAT processes and the use of primary care pathways, recognizing the importance of fair and equitable access to specialty care. Specific processes in CAT for vulnerable populations and patients using walk-in clinics were recognized as a limitation, given the lack of ease in completing the required testing and follow-up needed when utilizing the care pathway. Of the 112 GI specialists who received the survey, 28 (25%) completed it, with males (50.0%, n = 14) and females (39.2%, n = 11), remainder no response. Most participate in CAT (73.9%, n = 17) and were remunerated by an alternative relationship plan (ARP) (53.6%, n = 15). Overall, GIs were satisfied with central triaging and primary care pathways, reducing unnecessary time and resource expenditure for referrals. There were statistically significant differences in perceptions among fee for service and alternative relationship plan GI specialists regarding the effectiveness of CAT in improving access and use of health system resources. Conclusion Overall, PCPs and GI specialists believe utilizing CAT and primary care pathways improves referral quality, reduces resource expenditure, and provides fair and equitable access to GI specialty services. Improvement in CAT processes with improved pathway awareness may reduce unnecessary referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubashir Arain
- Health Systems Knowledge & EvaluationAlberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
| | - Leanne Reeb
- Digestive Health Strategic Clinical NetworkAlberta Health Services, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Julia Carter
- Digestive Health Strategic Clinical NetworkAlberta Health Services, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Kerri L. Novak
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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2
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Edwardson N, van der Goes D, Pankratz VS, Parasher G, Adsul P, English K, Sheche J, Mishra SI. Trends in and factors associated with family physician-performed screening colonoscopies in the United States: 2016-2021. J Rural Health 2024. [PMID: 38932468 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Family physician (FP)-performed screening colonoscopies can serve as 1 strategy in the multifaceted strategy necessary to improve national colorectal cancer screening rates, particularly in rural areas where specialist models can fail. However, little research exists on the performance of this strategy in the real world. In this study, we evaluated trends in and factors associated with FP-performed screening colonoscopies in the United States between 2016 and 2021. METHODS Using national data from Merative's Marketscan insurance claims database, we estimate the proportion of screening colonoscopies performed by FPs. We use logistic regression models to evaluate factors independently associated with FP-performed colonoscopies. RESULTS The percentage of screening colonoscopies performed by FPs exhibited a downward trend from 11.32% in 2016 to 6.73% in 2021, with the largest decrease occurring among patients from the most rural areas. FPs were more likely to perform colonoscopies on slightly older patients, male patients, and rural patients. Patients were less likely to receive FP-performed colonoscopies in large metropolitan areas compared to lesser populated areas. Patients were more likely to receive FP-performed colonoscopies in the Midwest, South, and West, even after accounting for urban-rural classification. CONCLUSION Despite a downward trajectory, FPs perform a substantial proportion of screening colonoscopies in the United States. Changes to the business side of health care delivery may be contributing to the observed decreasing rate. Whether through spatial or relational proximity, FPs may be better positioned to provide colonoscopy to some rural, male, and older patients who otherwise may not have been screened. Policy changes to expand the FP workforce, particularly in rural areas, are likely necessary to slow or reverse the downward trend of FP-performed screening colonoscopies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Edwardson
- School of Public Administration, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- College of Population Health, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - David van der Goes
- Department of Economics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - V Shane Pankratz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Gulshan Parasher
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Prajakta Adsul
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Kevin English
- Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center, Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Inc., Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Judith Sheche
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Shiraz I Mishra
- University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
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Ramalingam N, Coury J, Barnes C, Kenzie ES, Petrik AF, Mummadi RR, Coronado G, Davis MM. Provision of colonoscopy in rural settings: A qualitative assessment of provider context, barriers, facilitators, and capacity. J Rural Health 2024; 40:272-281. [PMID: 37676061 PMCID: PMC10918036 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Colonoscopy can prevent morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC) and is the most commonly used screening method in the United States. Barriers to colonoscopy at multiple levels can contribute to disparities. Yet, in rural settings, little is known about who delivers colonoscopy and facilitators and barriers to colonoscopy access through screening completion. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study with providers in rural Oregon who worked in endoscopy centers or primary care clinics. Semistructured interviews, conducted in July and August, 2021, focused on clinician experiences providing colonoscopy to rural Medicaid patients, including workflows, barriers, and access. We used thematic analysis, through immersion crystallization, to analyze interview transcripts and develop emergent themes. FINDINGS We interviewed 19 providers. We found two categories of colonoscopy providers: primary care providers (PCPs) doing colonoscopy on their own patients (n = 9; 47%) and general surgeons providing colonoscopy to patients referred to their services (n = 10; 53%). Providers described barriers to colonoscopy at the provider, community, and patient levels and suggested patient supports could help overcome them. Providers found current colonoscopy capacity sufficient, but noted PCPs trained to perform colonoscopy would be key to continued accessibility. Finally, providers shared concerns about the shrinking number of PCP endoscopists, especially with anticipated increased screening demand related to the CRC screening guideline shift. CONCLUSIONS These themes reflect opportunities to address multilevel barriers to improve access, colonoscopy capacity, and patient education approaches. Our results highlight that PCPs are an essential part of the workforce that provides colonoscopy in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- NithyaPriya Ramalingam
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network, Oregon Health & Science University, 3030 S Moody Avenue, Suite 160, Portland, OR 97201
| | - Jennifer Coury
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network, Oregon Health & Science University, 3030 S Moody Avenue, Suite 160, Portland, OR 97201
| | - Chrystal Barnes
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network, Oregon Health & Science University, 3030 S Moody Avenue, Suite 160, Portland, OR 97201
| | - Erin S. Kenzie
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network, Oregon Health & Science University, 3030 S Moody Avenue, Suite 160, Portland, OR 97201
- Department of Family Medicine & School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098
| | - Amanda F. Petrik
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, 3800 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227
| | - Rajasekhara R Mummadi
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, 3800 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227
| | - Gloria Coronado
- Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, 3800 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97227
| | - Melinda M. Davis
- Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network, Oregon Health & Science University, 3030 S Moody Avenue, Suite 160, Portland, OR 97201
- Department of Family Medicine & School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098
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Kolber MR, Miles PJ, Shaw MD, Goosen H, Mok DCM. Evaluation of the quality of colonoscopies performed by Alberta North Zone surgeons, family physicians and internists: a quality improvement initiative. CMAJ Open 2023; 11:E654-E661. [PMID: 37527900 PMCID: PMC10400082 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Canada, endoscopy is primarily performed by gastroenterologists and surgeons, and some studies report that colonoscopies performed by nongastroenterologists have more complications and higher rates of future colorectal cancer. Our objective was to determine whether rural-based nongastroenterologist endoscopists are achieving quality benchmarks in colonoscopy. METHODS This quality improvement initiative prospectively evaluated 6 key performance indicators (KPIs) (cecal intubations, polyp detection [males and females; for first-time colonoscopies on patients aged ≥ 50 yr], bowel preparations, patient comfort and withdrawal times) on consecutive colonoscopies performed by participating Alberta North Zone endoscopists. The study period was June 2018 to March 2020. Overall and individual endoscopist's KPIs were compared with standard benchmarks. Additional performance indicators included mean number of polyps per colonoscopy and an exploration of study-defined sedation-related level of consciousness. RESULTS Data were collected on 6212 colonoscopies performed by 16 endoscopists (9 surgeons, 5 family physicians and 2 internists) in 6 hospitals. All 6 KPI benchmarks were achieved when results were pooled over all endoscopists in the study. Overall, cecal intubation occurred in 6006 of 6209 (96.7%, 95% confidence interval 94.5%-99.0%) cases. Polyp detection was 65.9% (592/898) and 49.8% (348/699) for male and female patients, respectively, aged 50 years or older. Variability in individual endoscopist results existed, especially for the mean number of polyps per 100 colonoscopies and sedation-related level of consciousness. INTERPRETATION Overall, Alberta North Zone endoscopists are performing high-quality colonoscopies, collectively achieving all 6 KPIs. To understand endoscopic performance and encourage individual and group reflection on endoscopic practices, Canadian endoscopists are encouraged to participate in similar colonoscopy quality initiative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Kolber
- Department of Family Medicine (Kolber, Goosen); Division of General Surgery (Shaw, Mok, Miles), Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.
| | - Peter J Miles
- Department of Family Medicine (Kolber, Goosen); Division of General Surgery (Shaw, Mok, Miles), Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta
| | - Marcus D Shaw
- Department of Family Medicine (Kolber, Goosen); Division of General Surgery (Shaw, Mok, Miles), Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta
| | - Hilgard Goosen
- Department of Family Medicine (Kolber, Goosen); Division of General Surgery (Shaw, Mok, Miles), Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta
| | - Dereck C M Mok
- Department of Family Medicine (Kolber, Goosen); Division of General Surgery (Shaw, Mok, Miles), Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta
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Josey MJ, Odahowski CL, Zahnd WE, Schootman M, Eberth JM. Disparities in Utilization of Medical Specialists for Colonoscopy. Health Equity 2019; 3:464-471. [PMID: 31501806 PMCID: PMC6729104 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2019.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Colonoscopy is the preferred screening modality for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention. The quality of the procedure varies although medical specialists such as gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons tend to have better outcomes. We aimed to determine whether there are demographic and clinical differences between those who received a colonoscopy from a specialist versus those who received a colonoscopy from a nonspecialist. Methods: Using the population-based South Carolina Outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Database, we looked retrospectively to obtain patient-level endoscopy records from 2010 to 2014. We used multilevel logistic regression to model whether patients saw a specialist for their colonoscopy. The primary variables were patient race and insurance type, and an interaction by rurality was tested. Results: Of the 392,285 patients included in the analysis, 81% saw a specialist for their colonoscopy. County of residence explained 30% of the variability in the outcome. Non-Hispanic black (OR=0.65; confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.64–0.67) and Hispanic patients (OR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.67–0.84) were significantly less likely than non-Hispanic white patients to see a specialist. Compared with commercial/HMO insurance, all other types were less likely to see a specialist, and even more so for rural patients. The interaction of race by rurality was not significant. Conclusions: Specialists play a key role in CRC screening and can affect later downstream outcomes. This study has shown that ethnic minorities and adults with public or other insurance, particularly in rural areas, are most likely not to see a specialist. These results are consistent with disparities in CRC incidence, mortality, and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele J Josey
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.,Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.,Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Cassie L Odahowski
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.,Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.,Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Whitney E Zahnd
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
| | - Mario Schootman
- Department of Clinical Analytics and Insights, Center for Clinical Excellence, SSM Health System, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jan M Eberth
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.,Cancer Prevention and Control Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina.,Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
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6
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Kolber MR, Olivier N, Babenko O, Torrie R, Green L. Alberta Family Physician Electronic Endoscopy study: Quality of 1769 colonoscopies performed by rural Canadian family physicians. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2018; 64:e553-e560. [PMID: 30541822 PMCID: PMC6371886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether rural FP colonoscopists in Alberta are achieving benchmarks in colonoscopy quality. DESIGN Prospective, multicentre observational study. SETTING Alberta. PARTICIPANTS Nine FP colonoscopists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportion of successful cecal intubations; proportion of patients aged 50 and older with pathologically confirmed adenomas; mean number of adenomas per colonoscopy; and serious adverse events related to colonoscopy. RESULTS In this 6-month study, 9 rural FPs in Alberta performed 1769 colonoscopies. Overall, all key colonoscopy quality benchmarks were met or exceeded. The proportion of successful cecal intubations was 97.9% (95% CI 97.2% to 98.6%). The proportion of male and female patients aged 50 and older whose first-time colonoscopy results revealed an adenoma was 67.4% (95% CI 62.4% to 72.7%) and 51.1% (95% CI 45.5% to 56.7%), respectively. There were 120 adenomas, 36 advanced adenomas, and 1 colon cancer case per 100 colonoscopies. There were 2 postpolypectomy bleeds and no other serious complications. CONCLUSION Alberta rural FP colonoscopists are meeting benchmarks in colonoscopy quality. Ongoing electronic collection of endoscopy quality markers should be encouraged. Supporting and training rural FPs who perform endoscopy might help alleviate current wait times and improve access for rural Canadian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Kolber
- Professor with the PEER (Patients, Experience, Evidence, Research) Group in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
| | - Nicole Olivier
- Project Manager in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta
| | - Oksana Babenko
- Researcher in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta
| | - Ryan Torrie
- Practising family physician at the Taber Health Centre in Alberta
| | - Lee Green
- Professor and Chair in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta
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Bergin RJ, Emery J, Bollard RC, Falborg AZ, Jensen H, Weller D, Menon U, Vedsted P, Thomas RJ, Whitfield K, White V. Rural–Urban Disparities in Time to Diagnosis and Treatment for Colorectal and Breast Cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018; 27:1036-1046. [DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-18-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Abstract
In recent years, the role of primary care physicians (PCPs) in the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal disorders, including screening for colorectal cancer (CRC), has been recognized as very important. The available data indicate that PCPs are not adequately following CRC screening guidelines because a number of factors have been identified as significant barriers to the proper application of CRC screening guidelines. These factors include lack of time, patient reluctance, and challenges related to scheduling colonoscopy. Further positive engagement of PCPs with CRC screening is required to overcome these barriers and reach acceptable levels in screening rates. To meet the expectations of modern medicine, PCPs should not only be able to recommend occult blood testing or colonoscopy but also, under certain conditions, able to perform colonoscopy. In this review, the authors aim to provide the current knowledge of the role of PCPs in increasing the rate and successfully implementing a screening program for CRC by applying the relevant international guidelines.
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Rees CJ, Bevan R, Zimmermann-Fraedrich K, Rutter MD, Rex D, Dekker E, Ponchon T, Bretthauer M, Regula J, Saunders B, Hassan C, Bourke MJ, Rösch T. Expert opinions and scientific evidence for colonoscopy key performance indicators. Gut 2016; 65:2045-2060. [PMID: 27802153 PMCID: PMC5136701 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-312043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Colonoscopy is a widely performed procedure with procedural volumes increasing annually throughout the world. Many procedures are now performed as part of colorectal cancer screening programmes. Colonoscopy should be of high quality and measures of this quality should be evidence based. New UK key performance indicators and quality assurance standards have been developed by a working group with consensus agreement on each standard reached. This paper reviews the scientific basis for each of the quality measures published in the UK standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Rees
- Department of Gastroenterology, South Tyneside District Hospital, South Shields, UK
| | - Roisin Bevan
- Department of Gastroenterology, North Tees University Hospital, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
| | | | - Matthew D Rutter
- Department of Gastroenterology, North Tees University Hospital, Stockton-on-Tees, UK
| | - Douglas Rex
- Department of Gastroenterology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA
| | - Evelien Dekker
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thierry Ponchon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon University, Lyon, France
| | - Michael Bretthauer
- Department of Health Management and Health Economics and KG Jebsen Center for Colorectal Cancer Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jaroslaw Regula
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Center for Postgraduate Education and the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Brian Saunders
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Mark's Hospital and Academic Institute, Harrow, UK
| | - Cesare Hassan
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael J Bourke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Thomas Rösch
- Department of Interdisciplinary Endoscopy, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Adenoma detection rates decline with increasing procedural hours in an endoscopist's workload. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 29:304-8. [PMID: 25996612 PMCID: PMC4578453 DOI: 10.1155/2015/789038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Operator fatigue may negatively influence adenoma detection (AD) during screening colonoscopy. OBJECTIVE To better characterize factors affecting AD, including the number of hours worked, and the number and type of procedures performed before an index screening colonoscopy. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving individuals undergoing a screening colonoscopy at a major tertiary care hospital in Montreal, Quebec. Individuals were identified using an endoscopic reporting database; AD was identified by an electronic chart review. A hierarchical logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between patient- and endoscopist-related variables and AD. RESULTS A total of 430 consecutive colonoscopies performed by 10 gastroenterologists and two surgeons were included. Patient mean (± SD) age was 63.4±10.9 years, 56.3% were males, 27.7% had undergone a previous colonoscopy and the cecal intubation rate was 95.7%. The overall AD rate was 25.7%. Age was associated with AD (OR 1.06 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.08]), while female sex (OR 0.44 [95% CI 0.25 to 0.75]), an indication for average-risk screening (OR 0.47 [95% CI 0.27 to 0.80]) and an increase in the number of hours during which endoscopies were performed before the index colonoscopy (OR 0.87 [95% CI 0.76 to 0.99]) were associated with lower AD rates. On exploratory univariable analysis, a threshold of 3 h of endoscopy time performed before the index colonoscopy was associated with decreased AD. CONCLUSION The number of hours devoted to endoscopies before the index colonoscopy was inversely associated with AD rate, with decreased performance possibly as early as within 3 h. This metric should be confirmed in future studies and considered when optimizing scheduling practices.
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Gikas A, Triantafillidis JK. The role of primary care physicians in early diagnosis and treatment of chronic gastrointestinal diseases. Int J Gen Med 2014; 7:159-73. [PMID: 24648750 PMCID: PMC3958525 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s58888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic gastrointestinal disorders are a source of substantial morbidity, mortality, and cost. They are common in general practice, and the primary care physician (PCP) has a central role in the early detection and management of these problems. The need to make cost-effective diagnostic and treatment decisions, avoid unnecessary investigation and referral, provide long-term effective control of symptoms, and minimize the risk of complications constitute the main challenges that PCPs face. The literature review shows that, although best practice standards are available, a considerable number of PCPs do not routinely follow them. Low rates of colorectal cancer screening, suboptimal testing and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection, inappropriate use of proton pump inhibitors, and the fact that most PCPs are still approaching the irritable bowel disease as a diagnosis of exclusion represent the main gaps between evidence-based guidelines and clinical practice. This manuscript points out that updating of knowledge and skills of PCPs via continuing medical education is the only way for better adherence with standards and improving quality of care for patients with gastrointestinal diseases.
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