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Case Study of a Comprehensive Team-Based Approach to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening
Lauren E Wright1, Adam Baus1, Andrea Calkins1
1West Virginia University School of Public Health.
Introduction:
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in West Virginia. In addition, 51% of all colorectal cancers diagnosed in West Virginia from 2012 to 2016 were detected at either regional (31%) or distant (20%) stages indicating a need for improved early detection.
Methods:
West Virginia University Cheat Lake Physicians participated in the West Virginia Program to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening, a program of Cancer Prevention and Control at the WVU Cancer Institute. As a result, Cheat Lake Physicians assembled a team of health care professionals to implement evidence-based interventions and system changes including provider assessment and feedback, patient reminders, accurate data capture, and tracking of CRC screening tests.
Results:
These efforts resulted in a 15.8% increase in colorectal cancer screening rates within one year of implementation. Additionally, the clinic achieved a 66% return rate for Fecal Immunochemical Test kits, an inexpensive, stool-based colorectal cancer screening test.
Implications:
The utilization of a team-based approach to patient care yields positive results that can be carried over to other cancer and disease prevention efforts in primary care clinics.
