Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2025
09:55
Bridging the Technology Divide in the COVID-19 Era: Using Virtual Outreach to Expose Middle and High School Students to Imaging Technology
Published on: September 28, 2022
1.6K
Low Rates of Digital Rectal Exam in an Academic Health System Represent a Missed Opportunity
Kelly R Bates1, Norah N Zaza1, Dominic J Vitello1
1Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Journal of Surgical Oncology
|May 20, 2025
Summary
Digital rectal exam (DRE) utilization has declined in outpatient settings, particularly in primary care. This decrease, alongside documented disparities, represents a missed opportunity for early cancer detection.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) is a crucial tool for early cancer detection.
- DRE utilization has decreased following its removal from some cancer screening guidelines.
- The impact of reduced DRE performance on cancer screening has not been well-studied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current digital rectal exam (DRE) utilization rates.
- To assess trends in DRE utilization over time.
- To identify disparities in DRE performance across patient demographics and specialties.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of electronic medical record data from a regional academic health system (2015-2020).
- Inclusion of outpatient encounters for patients aged 45-75.
- Statistical assessment of DRE rates and trends using chi-squared and Cochran-Armitage tests.
Main Results:
- DRE was documented in 8.5% of 191,329 outpatient encounters, showing a decline from 9.6% to 8.9% between 2015-2020.
- DREs were more common in surgical specialties (e.g., surgical oncology) than primary care.
- Significant disparities in DRE documentation were observed based on race/ethnicity and sex, with lower rates in Black and Hispanic patients and women.
Conclusions:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) is underutilized in outpatient settings, especially in primary care.
- Observed sociodemographic differences in DRE utilization indicate disparities in cancer screening.
- Low DRE rates signify a missed opportunity for the early identification of prevalent cancers.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
128
Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
128
01:10Documentation of Nursing Diagnosis
1.2K
The nurse documents nursing diagnoses and enters them into the patient record. The identified patient's nursing diagnosis is either written out with a plan of care or entered into the electronic health record.
In some settings, data-driven computerized decision support systems are in place, allowing for more accurate nursing diagnoses. The database within one of these systems includes diagnostic labels defining characteristics, activities, and indicators for nursing. A nurse enters...
In some settings, data-driven computerized decision support systems are in place, allowing for more accurate nursing diagnoses. The database within one of these systems includes diagnostic labels defining characteristics, activities, and indicators for nursing. A nurse enters...
1.2K