Could it be colorectal cancer? General practitioners’ use of the faecal occult blood test and decision making – a qualitative study

Conclusions: Listening carefully to the patient’s history was essential. The iFOBT was frequently used as support, but there were considerable variations in the interpretation and handling of the results. The diagnostic process can be described as navigating uncertain waters with safety margins, while striving to keep the patient’s best interests in mind. The iFOBT may be useful as a diagnostic aid in primary care, but more research and evidence-based guidelines are needed.
Source: BMC Family Practice - Category: Primary Care Authors: Source Type: research