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Provider Intervention to Improve Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates Among African American Patients

An Effective Practice

Description

This provider intervention provides focused education to resident physicians to encourage adherence to colorectal cancer screening practices in African Americans. Colorectal cancer causes disproportional morbidity and mortality among African Americans. There is evidence that resident physicians inconsistently screen for colorectal cancer; this program focuses on issues related to disparities in colorectal cancer. Health care providers attend instructive seminars which include an observation of screening exams, a pre-test and post-test, and training on how to chart performance of cancer screening on summary forms in patient medical records. Education sessions use case-based learning discussions moderated by a senior-level health care provider. For each case reviewed, screening guidelines are reviewed and the appropriate screening modality is chosen based on the patient's age, race, gender, and family history.

Goal / Mission

The goal of this intervention is to improve colorectal cancer screening rates for African Americans.

Results / Accomplishments

This educational intervention was evaluated using a pre- and post-analysis of resident physicians' adherence to colorectal cancer screening recommendations. There was a statistically significant increase in the performance of endoscopic assessments from 26.7% pre-intervention to 59.1% post-intervention (p < 0.0001). There was no statistical significance to the increase in rectal exams (p = 0.66) or fecal occult blood testing (p = 0.77).

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
George Washington University Division of Gastroenterology
Primary Contact
Mark Friedman
George Washington University
2150 Pennsylvania Ave.
NW Suite 3-308
Washington, DC 20037
(202) 741-2160
mark425@gwu.edu
http://www.gwumc.edu/EDU/MEDICINE/Divisions/Gastro...
Topics
Health / Cancer
Health / Health Care Access & Quality
Health / Prevention & Safety
Organization(s)
George Washington University Division of Gastroenterology
Source
Journal of the National Medical Association
Date of publication
Sep 2007
Location
Washington D.C.
For more details
Target Audience
Adults, Racial/Ethnic Minorities