Gatekeeper Role of Gastroenterologists and Surgeons in Recognising and Discussing Familial Colorectal Cancer | oneFAPvoice

welcome to oneFAPvoice

- a positively charged Familial Adenomatous Polyposis community.
  • join today!
scientific articles

Gatekeeper Role of Gastroenterologists and Surgeons in Recognising and Discussing Familial Colorectal Cancer

key information

source: Familial Cancer

year: 2016

authors: Douma KF, Dekker E, Smets EM, Aalfs CM

summary/abstract:

This study aimed to gain insight into the gatekeeper role of surgeons and gastroenterologists (including residents) during a first consultation at a tertiary gastro-intestinal centre regarding referral for genetic counselling, and to test the feasibility of a checklist for indications for referral. Consecutive patients were invited before and after introduction of a checklist, to complete a questionnaire assessing their perception of discussing cancer genetic topics. Initial consultations were audiotaped to assess the quality of this discussion by gastroenterologists and surgeons. Data on completeness of the checklist and referral were collected from medical files. No significant differences were found between the Before and After group regarding patients’ reports of discussing cancer in the family (77%, n = 34 vs 89%, n = 33, p = 0.16). In 28% (n = 10) of the audiotaped consultations family history was adequately discussed, in 58% (n = 21) it was considered inadequate and in 14% (n = 5) of consultations it was not discussed at all. A checklist was present in 53% (n = 27) of the medical files. Of these, 5 (19%) were incomplete. Gastroenterologists and surgeons (in training) have difficulty in fulfilling their gatekeeper role of recognizing patients at familial risk for CRC. Although they often discuss familial cancer during the initial consultation, their exploration seems insufficient to reveal indications for referral for genetic counselling. Therefore, healthcare professionals should not only understand genetics and the importance of cancer family history, but also be effective in the communication of this subject to enable more adequate referral of patients for genetic counselling.

organization: Academic Medical Center University of Amsterdam

DOI: 10.1007/s10689-015-9861-5.

read more full text source

expertly curated content related to this topic

To improve your experience on this site, we use cookies. This includes cookies essential for the basic functioning of our website, cookies for analytics purposes, and cookies enabling us to personalize site content. By clicking on 'Accept' or any content on this site, you agree that cookies can be placed. You may adjust your browser's cookie settings to suit your preferences.
More information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close