Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening Using a Quality Improvement Approach in a Nurse-Managed Primary Care Clinic

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects 1 in 23 Americans, with screening being an underutilized preventive measure.
• Rural areas exhibit lower CRC screening rates, with only 35% of patients up-to-date in 2014.
• Early detection through CRC screening improves patient outcomes by enabling timely polyp removal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement quality improvement (QI) interventions to increase CRC screening rates.
• To enhance CRC screening completion at a rural nurse-managed clinic in Indiana.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Deming's Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) QI model for intervention implementation.
• Focused on staff feedback, data-informed process improvements, and performance feedback for sustainability.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 37% increase in ordered CRC screenings for eligible patients.
• Observed an overall 28% increase in completed CRC screenings.
• Demonstrated the effectiveness of QI principles in driving measurable improvements.

Conclusions:

• Quality improvement interventions can significantly increase CRC screening rates in rural settings.
• Key QI principles like staff buy-in and data-driven adjustments are crucial for project success and sustainability.
• Enhanced screening promotes early detection and better patient health outcomes.