Physician knowledge and appropriate utilization of computed tomographic colonography in colorectal cancer screening

Goals To assess physician understanding of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines in a pilot study. Background CTC is a sensitive and specific method of detecting colorectal polyps and cancer. However, several factors have limited its clinical availability, and CRC screening guidelines have issued conflicting recommendations. Study A web-based survey was administered to physicians at two institutions with and without routine CTC availability. Results 398 of 1655 (24%) participants completed the survey, 59% was from the institution with routine CTC availability, 52% self-identified as trainees, and 15% as gastroenterologists. 78% had no personal experience with CTC. Only 12% was aware of any current CRC screening guidelines that included CTC. In a multiple regression model, gastroenterologists had greater odds of being aware of guidelines (OR 3.49, CI 1.67–7.26), as did physicians with prior CTC experience (OR 4.81, CI 2.39–9.68), controlling for institution, level of training, sex, and practice type. Based on guidelines that recommend CTC, when given a clinical scenario, 96% of physicians was unable to select the appropriate follow-up after a CTC, which was unaffected by institution. Conclusions Most physicians have limited experience with CTC and are unaware of recent recommendations concerning CTC in CRC screening