On-site screening sigmoidoscopy promotes long-term utilization but fails as a venue for training primary care endoscopists.

Background & Aims: "Academic detailing" is an effective strategy for promoting the use of screening sigmoidoscopy by primary care physicians. The primary objectives of this study were to determine whether the sustained presence of an "outside" university-based gastroenterologist performing on-site screening sigmoidoscopy promoted long-term utilization and whether the provision for on-site sigmoidoscopy was an effective venue for training primary care endoscopists.

Methods: Nine urban community health centers, including 4 intervention and 5 control sites, participated in a nonrandomized controlled trial conducted over 3 years.

Results: By the end of year 3, overall self-reported use of screening sigmoidoscopy increased by 61% for the intervention group vs. only 25% for the comparison group (P = 0.001). Ninety-seven percent of those reporting compliance referred 1 or more asymptomatic average-risk patients for screening examinations. Only 2 of 83 (2.4%) eligible providers completed on-site training and continued performing screening examinations independently. The major barriers to participation included lack of interest, lack of time to learn or perform sigmoidoscopy, concerns about technical competence, and lack of need because of on-site availability.

Conclusions: Maintenance of on-site screening sigmoidoscopy services performed by an outside gastroenterologist promotes long-term utilization but fails as venue for training primary care endoscopists. Alternative strategies for expanding capacity are needed.