Quality indicators
For endoscopists who perform colonoscopy, the ACG recommended that all operators determine their individual cecal intubation rates, adenoma detection rates, and withdrawal times. They also recommended that endoscopists spend at least 6 minutes inspecting the mucosa during withdrawal and achieve a cecal intubation rate of at least 95% for all patients screened.
The ACG recommended remedial training for any provider whose adenoma detection rate is less than 25%.
Screening rates dropped during pandemic
The authors of the new recommendations also pointed out that, despite public health initiatives to boost CRC screening in the United States and the availability of multiple screening modalities, almost one-third of individuals who are eligible for CRC screening do not undergo screening.
Moreover, the proportion of individuals not being screened has reportedly increased during the pandemic. In one report, claims data for colonoscopies dropped by 90% during April. “Colorectal cancer screening rates must be optimized to reach the aspirational target of >80%,” the authors emphasized.
“A recommendation to be screened by a PCP [primary care provider] – who is known and trusted by the person – is clearly effective in raising participation,” they added.
Dr. Shaukat has served as a scientific consultant for Iterative Scopes and Freenome. Other ACG guideline authors reported numerous financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.