Population-Based Cancer Screening analysis in Northern Portugal Using Process Mining.

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health Policy
• Process Analysis

Background:

• The Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Northern Portugal, established in 2018, aims to detect colorectal cancer early.
• The study evaluates the program's performance and efficiency, particularly its response to disruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of disruptions on the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program's operational efficiency.
• To identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement within the screening workflow.

Main Methods:

• An observational study analyzed administrative records from 2020-2022.
• Process Mining techniques were employed to map and analyze workflow variations.
• Comparative performance analysis was conducted across different time periods and administrative areas.

Main Results:

• Significant workflow disruptions observed, with delays in the consultation-to-colonoscopy transition increasing by over 40%.
• Resilient healthcare services maintained shorter delays in kit distribution and laboratory processing.
• Performance varied significantly, with coordinated regions showing up to 30% faster transition times.

Conclusions:

• Process Mining identified critical vulnerabilities in the screening program, particularly during the pandemic.
• Targeted interventions, including adopting best practices and improving coordination, are essential for program resilience.
• Standardizing workflows and enhancing inter-service coordination are key recommendations for mitigating disruptions.