Perceived value drives use of routine asymptomatic surveillance PET/CT by physicians who treat head and neck cancer Journal Article


Authors: Roman, B. R.; Lohia, S.; Mitra, N.; Wang, M. B.; Pou, A. M.; Holsinger, F. C.; Myssiorek, D.; Goldenberg, D.; Asch, D. A.; Shea, J. A.
Article Title: Perceived value drives use of routine asymptomatic surveillance PET/CT by physicians who treat head and neck cancer
Abstract: Background: Why physicians use surveillance imaging for asymptomatic cancer survivors despite recommendations against this is not known. Methods: Physicians surveilling head and neck cancer survivors were surveyed to determine relationships among attitudes, beliefs, guideline familiarity, and self-reported surveillance positron-emission-tomography/computed-tomography use. Results: Among 459 responses, 79% reported using PET/CT on some asymptomatic patients; 39% reported using PET/CT on more than half of patients. Among attitudes/beliefs, perceived value of surveillance imaging (O.R. 3.57, C.I. 2.42-5.27, P = <.0001) was the strongest predictor of high imaging, including beliefs about outcome (improved survival) and psychological benefits (reassurance, better communication). Twenty-four percent of physicians were unfamiliar with guideline recommendations against routine surveillance imaging. Among physicians with high perceived-value scores, those less familiar with guidelines imaged more (O.R. 3.55, C.I. 1.08-11.67, P =.037). Conclusions: Interventions to decrease routine surveillance PET/CT use for asymptomatic patients must overcome physicians' misperceptions of its value. Education about guidelines may modify the effect of perceived value. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords: head and neck cancer; pet/ct; value; surveillance imaging; physician decision-making
Journal Title: Head & Neck
Volume: 42
Issue: 5
ISSN: 1043-3074
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  
Date Published: 2020-05-01
Start Page: 974
End Page: 987
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/hed.26071
PUBMED: 31919944
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC7654549
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 1 May 2020 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Benjamin Raphael Roman
    75 Roman
  2. Shivangi Lohia
    15 Lohia