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. 2015 Jan;105(1):212-219.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301790.

System Strategies for Colorectal Cancer Screening at Federally Qualified Health Centers

Jeanette M Daly  1 , Barcey T Levy, Carol A Moss, Camden P Bay
Affiliations

System Strategies for Colorectal Cancer Screening at Federally Qualified Health Centers

Jeanette M Daly et al. Am J Public Health. 2015 Jan.

Abstract

Objectives. We assessed the protocols and system processes for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in 4 midwestern states. Methods. We identified 49 FQHCs in 4 states. In January 2013, we mailed their medical directors a 49-item questionnaire about policies on CRC screening, use of electronic medical records, types of CRC screening recommended, clinic tracking systems, referrals for colonoscopy, and barriers to providing CRC. Results. Forty-four questionnaires (90%) were returned. Thirty-three of the respondents (75%) estimated the proportion of their patients up-to-date with CRC screening, with a mean of 35%. One major barrier to screening was inability to provide colonoscopy for patients with a positive fecal occult blood test (59%). The correlation of system strategies and estimated percentage of patients up-to-date with CRC screening was 0.43 (P = .01). Conclusions. CRC system strategies were associated with higher CRC screening rates. Implementing system strategies for CRC screening takes time and effort and is important to maintain, to help prevent, or to cure many cases of CRC, the second leading cause of cancer in the United States.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Relationship of system strategies and estimated percentage of patients up-to-date with colorectal cancer screening at federally qualified health centers in 4 midwestern states: 2012. Note. CRC = colorectal cancer.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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