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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Jewel S. Goodman, MPA, PhD(c)¹, Stacey Plichta, ScD², Deborah Hudson, MPH³, and Angela Futrell, RN³. (1) College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Technology Building, Norfolk, VA 23502, 757-582-3190, jgoodman@pich.org, (2) School of Community Health Professions, Old Dominion University, College of Health Sciences, Norfolk, VA 23529, (3) Peninsula Institute for Community Health, 1033 28th Street, 2nd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607

Background: In the US, Colorectal Cancer (CRC) is reportedly the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The colonoscopy screening (CS) examination can reveal early signs, yet CRC screening rates are low nationwide. A Hampton Roads community health center explored its physicians' CS referral rates among age-appropriate patients.

Purpose: The focus of this project was to examine the rate at which patients aged 50 years and older are being referred for the CS by their CHC physician. This project further sought to demonstrate methods by which the CHC could increase physicians' colonoscopy referral rates and increase patient compliance and knowledge level.

Methods: This project employed a variety of methods: a focus group (FG), brief in-person interviews with physicians and physician's assistants, survey administration at CHC free cancer screening event, and a medical records review. FG and interview data were analyzed using the qualitative constant comparative method; survey and medical records data, analyzed in SPSS.

Results: Of the 10 FG participants, 40% (n=4) were referred, with half (n=2) completing the screening. FG participants suggested the CHC mail informational handouts and provide an encounter sheet reminding physicians to refer when no symptoms are reported. Of the 35 patients completing surveys, 54% (n=19) had been referred by their physician to have the CS; with 68% (n=13) completing the screening. Of the 55 randomly selected medical records, 30% (n=17) were referred for the CS, with 5 patients completing the screening. Cost and lack of health insurance reported as noncompliance factor.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to

• Evaluate the rate at which age-apprpriate patients are referred for colonoscopy screening;
• Recognize the effectiveness of preventive screening for colorectal cancer; and
• Develop a method to increse patients' knowledge of the importance of colorectal cancer and physicians rates of colonoscopy screening referrals.

Keywords: Cancer Screening, Community-Based Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.ppt format, 51.0 kb)