Researchers analyzed if healthcare providers would be more inclined to recommend a colonoscopy if the screening interval were extended from 10 to 15 years.  They also looked into whether patients would have a different opinion if colonoscopies were conducted every 15 years by an endoscopist known for having a high adenoma detection rate. People at average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) should get a colonoscopy every 10 years, even if they have never had polyps removed. Patients and doctors who request CRC screening tests may be persuaded to opt for colonoscopy if they learn that a 15-year interval provides significant protection, boosts cost-effectiveness, and makes the procedure less intimidating. Health care providers in 1 US state, including both academic and community doctors, participated in an anonymous online survey. Medical professionals from internal medicine, gynecology, and family medicine were included. There are 5 widely used CRC screening tests, and doctors were asked to say which one was their favorite based on the percentage of tests they prescribe for each. They compared people’s reactions to the existing 5-year interval between colonoscopy screenings with those to an expanded interval of 15 years. Out of the total of 326 service providers, 121 (or 34%) answered. Colonoscopy was most commonly requested among the many tests offered for CRC detection. The proportion of people opting for a colonoscopy rose from 75.2% to 78.6% when the screening interval was lengthened from 10 to 15 years (P=0.003). Increasing the recommended interval between colonoscopies from 10 to 15 years may lead to more doctors and nurse practitioners (NPs) opting for colonoscopy in CRC screening, but this change is unlikely to have a significant effect on patients. More surveys of both patients and medical professionals are required.

 

Source: journals.lww.com/jcge/Abstract/2022/10000/Impact_of_Expanding_Screening_Colonoscopy_Interval.10.aspx

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