[Script concordance test for knowledge assessment of lung cancer screening].

BACKGROUND: Annual screening for lung cancer using low-dose CT-scans is associated with decreased mortality. A survey conducted in Rhône-Alpes area in France found that clinicians need education and information on this topic. Script concordance tests (SCT) are a tool for assessing clinical reasoning in situations of uncertainty. They have not previously been used in France in the context of continuing medical education.

METHOD: We created a questionnaire with 5 multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and two SCT scenarios. The questionnaire was sent to all clinicians and residents who are members of French-Speaking Respiratory Society or the French Young Pulmonologist Association.

RESULTS: One hundred and ninety answers were analyzed. Seventy percent stated that decreasing mortality was the best criterion for assessing the effectiveness of a cancer screening policy, and 75% that low-dose CT scan was the best test to achieve this in lung cancer screening. Forty-five percent knew the eligibility criteria of the population, and 62% that low-dose CT scan should be performed annually. Participation in tumor boards and certification in oncology were significantly associated with a better score at MCQ and SCT. SCT and MCQ scores were significantly correlated (Spearman's Rho 0.339; P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION: SCT are feasible by electronic survey and seem relevant. Improving knowledge of clinicians on lung cancer screening is still critical.