Trial Information

Colorectal Cancer Screening Intervention in UWPN Clinics

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Colorectal cancer screening is widely recommended, but generally under-utilized. Previous
studies have shown that only a minority of people over the age of 50 are screened for
colorectal cancer with either fecal occult blood testing or flexible sigmoidoscopy.
Barriers to screening include patient and provider-related factors. An innovative program
to support primary care providers in providing necessary education about colorectal cancer
screening, to provide reminders when screening tests are due, and to facilitate requesting
and follow-up of screening tests may help address some of these barriers to providing
screening services.

In this proposal, we will develop and implement a primary care based-colorectal cancer
screening program to supplement clinical services provided in a primary care practice
network. This network uses an electronic medical record and has established referral
patterns for gastrointestinal endoscopy services, radiology, and pathology. In the proposed
screening program, we will develop a colorectal cancer screening module to supplement the
existing electronic medical record. This module will enable providers to review risk factors
for colorectal cancer, prior screening history, and need for future screening in one easily
accessible location. The information provided by this module will be supplemented by the
services of a cancer prevention specialist. This person will oversee enrollment of patients
into the program, provide patient education about colorectal cancer screening, and
facilitate ordering or referral for screening or follow-up tests.

Outcome measures will include utilization of screening rates, patient knowledge about
screening tests, and provider acceptance of the program. If successful, this program may be
useful to other large primary care practices, and may also help to improve utilization of
other types of cancer prevention services.