engleski

Hemoccult Testing Capabilities of Family Medicine Practice

Background: Within the National program of colorectal cancer prevention, hemoccult tests are being distributed to people. Unfortunately, only 20 – 25% tests are being sent back for analysis. Family medicine team can carry out certain activities which increase testing response. Everyday follow up and planning by the team consisted of a family doctor, a nurse, and a health visitor bring better results. Methods: Family medicine team activities, which can increase hemoccult testing response, have been devised. A group of 386 people evaluated intervention levels from 1 – the least important reason to respond for testing to 6 – the most important reason. The results were analysed regarding the age and gender of included population. Results: Following average ratings of interventions were obtained (males / females): 1. Educational material: 2, 23/1, 18, 2. Conversation with the nurse: 4, 57/4, 24, 3. Conversation with medical visitor: 4, 59/4, 14, 4. Conversation with the family doctor: 5, 01/4, 71, 5. Family meeting: 2, 19/2, 11. 6. Group sessions: 2, 51/2, 41. No significant differences between genders have been discovered. Men more appreciated conversations with the nurse, while women more appreciated conversations with the family doctor. Concerning the age, younger population gave more regard for their communication with the doctor, while older group better rated the impact of the medical visitor. Conclusion: Family medicine team (doctor, nurse and medical visitor) can devise and carry out actions which will raise the response rates for hemoccult testing for 40 – 50%. Patients highly appreciate the suggestions of their family doctors and their close associates, and they mostly prefer direct contact and conversation, while they find group sessions and educational materials less motivational. There is a need of continuous care about preventive activities in family medicine practice.

family medicine; hemoccult testing; patients

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