Objectives: Various studies have shown that general practitioners (GPs) have a strong influence on adherence to organized screening for colorectal cancer. Faced with very low screening rates (29.8%), this study aims to apprehend the context of screening, the representations of GPs and the context of the arrival of new screening test in how to consider medical practice.
Methods: On the basis of a qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 general practitioners in 2014-2015. A thematic content analysis was then performed.
Results: The doctors interviewed said that they discussed colorectal cancer screening quickly at the end of the consultation, along with other screening tests (mammography), due to lack of time and management of several reasons for consultation. GPs had very little information about the new test, so they had no specific expectations for the new test. The analysis revealed an inconsistency between the role that GPs feel they should play with patients in prevention and screening and the reality of their practice that leaves them little time to devote to it.
Conclusions: A lack of information regarding the arrival of the new test and the difficulties associated with the organization of care has an impact on the representations of screening management. Setting up a consultation dedicated to prevention could be a prospect of improvement.