Direct observation of counseling on colorectal cancer in rural primary care practices

E F Ellerbeck; K K Engelman; J Gladden; M C Mosier; G S Raju; J S Ahluwalia

doi:10.1111/j.1525-1497.2001.01224.x

Direct observation of counseling on colorectal cancer in rural primary care practices

J Gen Intern Med. 2001 Oct;16(10):697-700. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1497.2001.01224.x.

Authors

E F Ellerbeck¹, K K Engelman, J Gladden, M C Mosier, G S Raju, J S Ahluwalia

Affiliation

¹ Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA. eellerbe@kumc.edu

Abstract

To better understand colorectal cancer (CRC) screening practices in primary care, medical students directly observed physician-patient encounters in 38 physician offices. CRC was discussed with 14% of patients >or=50 years of age; 87% of discussions were initiated by the physician. The rate of discussions varied among the practices from 0% to 41% of office visits. Discussions were more common for new patient visits, with younger patients, and in the 24% of offices that utilized flow sheets. The frequency of CRC discussions in physician offices varies widely. More widespread implementation of simple office systems, such as flow sheets, is needed to improve CRC screening rates.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Colorectal Neoplasms / prevention & control*
Counseling*
Female
Health Promotion*
Humans
Kansas
Male
Patient Education as Topic
Physician-Patient Relations*
Primary Health Care*
Reminder Systems
Rural Population