Table 2.
Ratings of Importance of Factors in Physicians’ Decision to Train and Perform Flexible Sigmoidoscopy (FS)*
| Trained in FS | Not Trained in FS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decision Factor | Group 1Performs FS(n = 36) | Group 2Does NotPerform FS(n = 32) | Group 3DesiresTraining(n = 23) | Group 4Does NotDesire Training(n = 40) | Groups 1–4(n = 131) |
| Time required to perform FS | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Availability of FS from other clinicians | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| Availability of trained support staff | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Start-up and maintenance costs | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Confidence in ability to perform FS | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Fear of complications | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Enjoyment of performing procedures | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Liability concerns | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Availability of equipment | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Sense of duty | 4 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 |
| Reimbursement rate by insurance companies | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Effectiveness of FS in reducing mortality | 4.5 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Impact of performing FS on practice revenue | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Desire not to perform procedures uncomfortableto patients | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Importance of FS in routine health care | 5 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 |
| Poor patient compliance | 3 | 2 | 2.5 | 1 | 2 |
*
Median ratings on a scale from 1 to 5.