by Tamara Scharf, Yonas Martin, Marc-Andrea Janggen, Adrian Rohrbasser, Kali Tal, Nikola Biller-Andorno, Jean-Luc Bulliard, Kevin Selby, Reto Auer Introduction In Switzerland, primary care physicians (PCP) prescribe colonoscopy for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rather than offering a choice between colonoscopy and faecal occult blood test (FOBT). This study evaluated a training program promoting shared decision-making for CRC screening.
Methods PCP from a research network were randomized 1:1 into intervention or control. The intervention group received study materials, patient decision aids, evidence summary, FOBT sample kit, and personalized feedback on CRC screening practices.
PCP documented CRC screening decisions of 40 consecutive patients (ages 50–75) four months post-intervention. The control group received no materials before data collection.
Results Of 110 PCP randomized, 83 (76%) collected data on 3,171 patients (mean age 62, 50% women). PCP in the intervention group were more likely than controls to have at least one patient tested or planning FOBT (84% vs.
56%; unadjusted RR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.04).
PLOS ONE (Medicine) published a clinical update in Research Highlights on 09 Jun 2026.
The item focuses on Promoting shared decision-making in colorectal cancer screening in primary care: A cluster randomized controlled trial.
Review the original article for the full source wording and details.