Improving colorectal cancer screening in primary care

Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening In Primary Care by Jenerie Navarrete-Pak MSN, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 2012 BSN, Lorma Colleges, 1996 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University November 2016 Abstract Despite indications that colorectal cancer (CRC) screening strategies can decrease mortality and morbidity, screening rates among veterans remains to be low. In the Veterans Affairs (VA), the performance measure for CRC screening is lower than the national standard. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated the effect of a teambased approach, effective electronic information structures, and the provision of education to nurses and patients in increasing CRC screening rate in primary care from 77% to 85%. CRC screening data were retrospectively collected prior to the start of the project and then compared to screening data 3 months after project implementation. The t test showed a statistically significant increase (p = .009) in CRC screening post intervention. Descriptive analysis was performed to evaluate the knowledge and proficiency of nurses with regard to CRC screening by using preand posttest questionnaires. The findings showed that emphasizing the importance of CRC screening among team members as well as appropriately dividing the work was effective in contributing to an increase in CRC screening in primary care. This project contributes toDespite indications that colorectal cancer (CRC) screening strategies can decrease mortality and morbidity, screening rates among veterans remains to be low. In the Veterans Affairs (VA), the performance measure for CRC screening is lower than the national standard. This quality improvement (QI) project evaluated the effect of a teambased approach, effective electronic information structures, and the provision of education to nurses and patients in increasing CRC screening rate in primary care from 77% to 85%. CRC screening data were retrospectively collected prior to the start of the project and then compared to screening data 3 months after project implementation. The t test showed a statistically significant increase (p = .009) in CRC screening post intervention. Descriptive analysis was performed to evaluate the knowledge and proficiency of nurses with regard to CRC screening by using preand posttest questionnaires. The findings showed that emphasizing the importance of CRC screening among team members as well as appropriately dividing the work was effective in contributing to an increase in CRC screening in primary care. This project contributes to positive social change by increasing the nurses’ confidence and proficiency in promoting health and disease prevention among the veterans; decreasing patient suffering; and improving collaboration between providers, nurses, and other departments in the VA primary care. Improving Colorectal Cancer Screening In Primary Care by Jenerie Navarrete-Pak MSN, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 2012 BSN, Lorma Colleges, 1996 Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Nursing Practice Walden University November 2016 Dedication This project is dedicated to my loving husband, Raymond Pak; my children, Jeneray and Ryan Tristan; my parents; sisters; and brother, who without their support and assistance would not have been possible. Acknowledgments I wish to acknowledge the guidance of my preceptor/mentor, Dr. Lori Winchell, my project professor and chair, Dr. Mary Verklan, and Dr. Mae Go who all supported and guided me. I would also like to acknowledge the nurses from the VA Southeast Primary Care Clinic, specially my RN champions, Ms. Maria Probst, Ms. Cecile Lacson, LPNs Ms. Darlyn Navajas and Mr. Joseph Munoz, Nurse Executive Ms. Jennifer Strawn, Chief of Primary Care, Dr. Maia Carter, SE Clinic Chief Dr. Stephen Billmyer and SE Nurse Manager, Ms. Myra Davis-Alston, who all helped and supported the realization of this project.