Barriers to full colon evaluation for a positive fecal occult blood test.

Fisher DA, Jeffreys A, Coffman CJ, Fasanella K. Barriers to full colon evaluation for a positive fecal occult blood test. Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention : a publication of the American Association for Cancer Research, cosponsored by the American Society of Preventive Oncology. 2006 Jun 1; 15(6):1232-5.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• RCD 03-174 – Implementation Research of Quality Measures in GI

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Failure to appropriately evaluate a positive cancer screening test may negate the value of doing that test. The primary aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with undergoing a full colon evaluation for a positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) in a single Veterans Affairs center. METHODS: Medical records of consecutive patients ages > or = 50 years, who had a positive screening FOBT from March 2000 to February 2001, were abstracted. Patient demographics, dates of ordering and doing follow-up test(s), and adherence with scheduled procedures were collected. The primary outcome, full colon evaluation, was defined as having a colonoscopy or double-contrast barium enema plus flexible sigmoidoscopy completed within 12 months. RESULTS: The sample (N = 538) was 98% men (58% Caucasian, 29% African-American, and 13% unknown race). Approximately 77% of the patients were referred to gastroenterology. Ultimately, only 44% underwent full colon evaluation within 12 months. Approximately 20% of the patients failed to attend a scheduled procedure. Referral to gastroenterology and adherence to follow-up appointments were associated with full colon evaluation. There was no association between African-American versus Caucasian race and full colon evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of the patients with a positive FOBT had a full colon evaluation within 12 months. Multiple failures were identified, including lack of referral for further testing and patient nonadherence. Although the overall performance in evaluating a positive colorectal cancer screening test was poor, no racial disparity was observed.