Leveraging Electronic Health Records Data for Enhanced Colorectal Cancer Screening Efforts

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cancer Prevention
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Colorectal cancer is a major health concern in the U.S., particularly in Appalachia.
• Preventable through screening, yet incidence and mortality remain high in West Virginia.
• A systematic approach is crucial for cancer control in high-risk regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a statewide program on colorectal cancer screening rates.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of data-informed practice facilitation in primary care settings.
• To identify strategies for increasing cancer screening in underserved populations.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the West Virginia Program to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening.
• Utilizing data-informed practice facilitation in primary care systems.
• Monitoring screening rates over a four-year period (2014-2018).

Main Results:

• Baseline colorectal cancer screening rate was 28.4% in 2014.
• Screening rates increased to 49.5% by 2018.
• The program achieved significantly higher screening rates compared to non-participating health systems.

Conclusions:

• The West Virginia Program successfully increased colorectal cancer screening rates.
• Practice facilitation is an effective strategy for improving cancer screening.
• Lessons learned can inform interventions for other public health priorities.