scholarly journals Linking lab, program, and administrative data to provide comprehensive colorectal cancer screening status of patients to primary care providers in Calgary, Alberta

Author(s):  
Jessica Law ◽  
Jeannine Viczko ◽  
Robert Hilsden ◽  
Emily McKenzie ◽  
Mark Watt ◽  
...  

IntroductionColorectal cancer (CRC) screening is associated with significant reductions in burden, mortality and cost. Primary care providers in Alberta do not have access to integrated CRC testing histories for patients. Providing this information will support CRC screening among patients at average and high risk, follow-up of abnormal tests, and surveillance. Objectives and ApproachCalgary Laboratory Services, Colon Cancer Screening Centre, Alberta Cancer Registry, and endoscopy data were linked to create a comprehensive CRC screening history at the patient level. Based on screening histories and the current Clinical Practice Guideline, an algorithm was created to determine CRC screening statuses with the aim of providing accurate screening rates when linked to primary care provider patient panels. Results from the linkage are designed to be incorporated into clinic and EMR workflow processes to support adherence to evidence-based screening recommendations at the point of care. ResultsA comprehensive assessment of screening status was determined by integrating Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) and colonoscopy data. Among a sample cohort, patients were identified as being due for screening with FIT, requiring follow-up for a positive FIT test, or requiring appropriate surveillance for a positive-screen or abnormal colonoscopy findings. A summary report, actionable list, and resources were developed to convey findings. The summary report displayed CRC screening rates for a provider’s panel. The actionable list provided CRC screening statuses for each patient aged 40 to 84 indicating patients due for screening with FIT, for follow-up of positive FIT, or for surveillance colonoscopy. The resources were developed to support quality improvement for colorectal cancer screening for patients. Conclusion/ImplicationsThe data linkages and algorithm provide comprehensive CRC screening, follow-up, and surveillance information that could support guideline-adherent screening, increase screening rates, reduce duplication or unnecessary testing, and provide primary care providers with timely and robust information to support clinical decisions for individuals inside and outside of the target screening population.

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 196-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph A. Diaz ◽  
Teresa Slomka

Although colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, the burden of this disease could be dramatically reduced by increased utilization of screening. Evidence-based recommendations and guidelines from national societies recommend screening all average risk adults starting at age 50 years. However, the myriad screening options and slight differences in screening recommendations between guidelines may lead to confusion among patients and their primary care providers. In addition, varied colorectal cancer incidence and screening rates among different racial/ethnic groups, inconsistent screening recommendations based on family history and/or age, and increasing awareness of the role of nonadenomatous and nonpolypoid lesions also pose potential challenges to primary care providers when counseling patients. The goal of this review, therefore, is to briefly summarize the colorectal cancer screening guidelines issued by 3 major organizations, compare their recommendations, and address emerging issues in colorectal cancer screening.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
E L Tolma ◽  
S M Aljunid ◽  
M N Amrizal ◽  
J Longenecker ◽  
A Al-Basmy ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health issue in the Arab region. In Kuwait, CRC is the second most frequent cancer, with an age-standardized (world) incidence rate of 13.2 cases/100,000 in 2018. Despite the national efforts to promote CRC screening the current participation rate is very low (5 to 17%). Primary Care Providers (PCPs) are considered as the gatekeepers of cancer screening globally. This is one of the first studies in Kuwait that examined the current beliefs/practices of PCPs on CRC screening. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at governmental primary care centers in Kuwait from 2015-2017. Of 564 PCPs invited to participate from all centers, 255 completed the self-administered questionnaires. The 14-page survey contained 75 questions on PCPs’ beliefs and practices of CRC screening. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Results The study sample consisted primarily of females (52.0%) and non-Kuwaiti (79%) physicians, with mean age =43.3 (SD: 11.2) years. Most respondents (92%) believed that colonoscopy is the most effective screening tool. The majority (78%) reported that they recommend CRC screening to their patients, with colonoscopy as the most frequent modality (87%) followed by the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) (52%). Around 40% of the respondents stated that they did not have time to discuss CRC screening with their patients. The majority (72%) believed that their patients did not complete their CRC screening tests. Health system related barriers included difficulties in obtaining test results from the gastroenterologist (61.4%), ordering follow-up test after a positive screening test (50.6%) and shortage of trained staff to conduct the screening test (44.2%). Conclusions A majority of PCPs in Kuwait recommend CRC screening to their patients, but not all patients follow through their recommendation. More research is needed to find out how to further enhance patient uptake of CRC screening. Key messages Colonoscopy is the most frequent screening CRC modality used in Kuwait. Health system related factors can be important future intervention targets to promote CRC screening.


Inclusion ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-193
Author(s):  
Genevieve Breau ◽  
Sally Thorne ◽  
Jennifer Baumbusch ◽  
T. Greg Hislop ◽  
Arminee Kazanjian

Abstract Individuals with intellectual disability (ID) obtain breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening at lower rates, relative to the general population. This cross-sectional survey study explored how primary care providers and trainees recommend cancer screening to patients with ID, using a standardized attitudes questionnaire and vignettes of fictional patients. In total, 106 primary care providers and trainees participated. Analyses revealed that participants' attitudes towards community inclusion predicted whether participants anticipated recommending breast and colorectal cancer screening to fictional patients. Further research is needed to explore these factors in decisions to recommend screening, and how these factors contribute to cancer screening disparities.


2012 ◽  
Vol 142 (5) ◽  
pp. S-774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Weiss ◽  
Patrick Pfau ◽  
Sally Kraft ◽  
Perry J. Pickhardt ◽  
Maureen A. Smith

2020 ◽  
pp. 096914132090497
Author(s):  
Kevin Selby ◽  
Carlo Senore ◽  
Martin Wong ◽  
Folasade P May ◽  
Samir Gupta ◽  
...  

Objective Colorectal cancer screening programs frequently report problems ensuring adequate follow-up of positive fecal immunochemical tests (FITs). We investigated strategies implemented by ongoing screening programs to improve follow-up for FIT-positive participants, and explored associations between interventions and reported rates of follow-up. Methods We submitted an electronic survey to 58 colorectal cancer screening programs or affiliated researchers. Primary outcomes were the proportion of program participants with a positive FIT completing diagnostic colonoscopy, and patient, provider, and system-level interventions used to improve follow-up. We compare mean colonoscopy completion at six months in programs with and without interventions. Results Thirty-five programs completed the survey (60% response). The mean proportion of participants with a positive FIT who completed colonoscopy was 79% (standard deviation 16%). Programs used a mean of five interventions to improve follow-up. Programs using patient navigators had an 11% higher rate of colonoscopy completion at six months ( p = 0.05). Programs sending reminders to primary care providers when no colonoscopy has been completed had a 12% higher rate of colonoscopy completion ( p = 0.03). Other interventions were not associated with significant differences. Conclusions Almost all programs employ multiple interventions to ensure timely follow-up of positive FIT. The use of patient navigators and provider reminders is associated with higher rates of colonoscopy completion.


2013 ◽  
Vol 108 (7) ◽  
pp. 1159-1167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M Weiss ◽  
Maureen A Smith ◽  
Perry J Pickhardt ◽  
Sally A Kraft ◽  
Grace E Flood ◽  
...  

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