Colorectal cancer screening in a rural US population
International Journal of Health Governance
ISSN: 2059-4631
Article publication date: 4 December 2017
Issue publication date: 4 December 2017
Abstract
Purpose
Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening saves patient suffering and health system expenses if the pathology is found in its early stages. Utilizing rapid process improvement cycles, the purpose of this paper is to improve the rate of CRC screening in a rural community in the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were gathered from the authors’ electronic medical record. Non provider staff were trained to do the majority of the work utilizing population health, clinic visit checklists, and standard work. The two tests used were colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical test testing.
Findings
Dramatic improvement in the rates of colorectal screening were achieved. The base rate of documented CRC screening was 22 percent, with the rate two years later being 62.7 percent.
Originality/value
This work is of interest to those working in primary care, gastroenterology, general surgery, or if interested in designing standard work.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The team wishes to thank the medical assistants that care for patients each day, putting patient health and welfare to the forefront. This study received no outside funding or grants, and was done in memory of patients that have died from CRC.
Citation
Schlauderaff, P., Baldino, T., Graham, K.C., Hackney, K., Hendryx, R., Nelson, J., Millard, A., Hunter Schlauderaff, C., Schlauderaff, M., Smith, D. and Millard, M. (2017), "Colorectal cancer screening in a rural US population", International Journal of Health Governance, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 283-291. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHG-05-2017-0021
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited