Training general practitioners in flexible sigmoidoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer.

摘要: Background: A screening programme to detect polyps or early carcinoma would significantly reduce the mortality and morbidity of colorectal cancer (CRC). The aims present study were evaluate: (i) feasibility training general practitioners in flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) for CRC screening; (ii) acceptability by faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) FS asymptomatic standard risk Australians aged over 50 years; (iii) yield such screening. Methods: Subjects recruited practitioner (GP) referral, newspaper advertisement a direct approach retirement villages. Participants mailed FOBT kit prescreening questionnaire. Flexible was performed GP supervised an experienced endoscopist. then completed second General assessed after unassisted procedures. Results: total 264 individuals contacted coordinator; 169 screened. Screening accepted well participants. Fifteen per cent subjects had 4% positive FOBT. Training adversely affected availability resources. Three GPs procedures 15-month period, but none able reliably assess distal bowel. Conclusions: Although three trainees their supervisors did not consider that adequately trained procedures, limited resources within Victorian public hospital system. considered be acceptable patients undergoing these Existing facilities are adequate if as part national program.