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A Pilot Colorectal Cancer Study Using Fecal Occult Blood Tests and Colonoscopy to Identify the Weaknesses of the Romanian Public Healthcare System before Implementing National Screening

Author

Listed:
  • Linda-Nicoleta Bărbulescu

    (Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
    Cabinet Medical Dr Profir I Mirela SRL, 200145 Craiova, Romania)

  • Stelian-Ștefăniță Mogoantă

    (Department of Surgery, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
    Department III of Surgery, University Emergency County Hospital, 200642 Craiova, Romania)

  • Lucian-Florentin Bărbulescu

    (Department of Computers and Information Technology, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

  • Constantin Kamal

    (Department of Family Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania)

  • Didi-Liliana Popa

    (Department of Computers and Information Technology, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania
    Doctoral School “Constantin Belea”, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

  • Radu-Teodoru Popa

    (Department of Computers and Information Technology, University of Craiova, 200585 Craiova, Romania)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in the absence of a national screening program using the resources provided by the Romanian healthcare system. Study participants were recruited from adult patients (over 18 years old) registered with a general practitioner from an urban area over a period of 3 years (October 2019 to September 2022). Patients were recruited when they came for a consult at their family physician’s office. The study excluded patients with a medical history of colorectal cancer. Written consent was obtained from the patients who agreed to participate. Patients who agreed to participate were recommended to undergo a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). For those with a positive FOBT result, a colonoscopy was recommended. The study identified a need and willingness of patients to participate in CRC screening when they were informed about it, especially when it involved a noninvasive test such as FOB. We did not anticipate the refusal to perform FOBT in the public healthcare system because the recommendation was made by a GP. We identified a deficit of specialists that can perform colonoscopies in the public healthcare system, insufficient health education, and a lack of dedicated pathways for screening.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda-Nicoleta Bărbulescu & Stelian-Ștefăniță Mogoantă & Lucian-Florentin Bărbulescu & Constantin Kamal & Didi-Liliana Popa & Radu-Teodoru Popa, 2023. "A Pilot Colorectal Cancer Study Using Fecal Occult Blood Tests and Colonoscopy to Identify the Weaknesses of the Romanian Public Healthcare System before Implementing National Screening," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:2531-:d:1052732
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