Publication

How to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates in Practice

Date: 11/1/2007
Source: CA Cancer J Clin 2007;57;354-366
Publication Type: Article
Description: Many patients do not receive the needed recommendation around colorectal cancer screening when they visit their doctor. This article informs physicians about ways to increase colorectal cancer screening in actual practice.cr
Intended Use: Three strategies for increasing CRC screening rates are office policies, reminder systems, and communication strategies. Office policies often exist in the mind of the practitioner, though they are frequently unwritten, and reminder systems are already familiar to many clinicians. Communication strategies are less familiar, but hold promise. The challenge for office-based practitioners is to select and implement an evidence-based strategy that will improve the performance of their practice. The
Task Group: Professional Education and Practice

Additional Details:
A recommendation from a physician is the most influential factor in determining whether a patient is screened for colorectal cancer. While the vast majority of primary care physicians report that they screen for colorectal cancer, many patients do not receive the recommendation they need. Evidence-based strategies can help the physician ensure that every appropriate patient leaves the office with the needed recommendation. Choosing an office system that can be implemented by the physician or office staff can fuel efforts to achieve higher screening rates. Reminder systems, tracking systems, communication strategies, and policies that reinforce use of evidence-based guidelines may

URL: http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/content/full/57/6/354