Electronic reminders are a simple EMR addition that can provide evidence -based education while improving adherence rates with preventive health screening measures
Abstract : The 2014 United States Preventive Services Task Force systematic review found abdominal aortic aneurysm ( AAA ) screening decreased related mortality by close to half .
Despite the simplicity of screening , research suggests poor adherence to the recommended AAA screening guidelines .
Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm with electronic clinical reminders.
BACKGROUND Based on r and omized , population -based screening protocol s , a single ultrasound examination reduces mortality from an abdominal aortic aneurysm ( AAA ) by facilitating elective surgical intervention before rupture . Ultrasound screening is accurate , noninvasive , inexpensive , and cost effective . By using a comprehensive electronic medical record , we inquired whether an age-prompted clinical reminder would facilitate the detection of AAA . METHODS The  AAA risk screen  was installed in May 2007 via a computerized patient record system prompt for male veterans ages 65 to 75 who ever smoked . This abbreviated ultrasound examination uses a 3.5- to 4-MHz scan head , measures anteroposterior and transverse planes , and reports the largest infrarenal aortic diameter . RESULTS Of 1437 examinations there were 73 AAAs of 3.0-cm diameter or larger ( 5.1 % ) ; 33 AAAs of 4.0-cm diameter or larger ( 2.3 % ) ; 15 AAAs of 5.0-cm diameter or larger ( 1.0 % ) ; and 11 AAAs of 5.5-cm diameter or larger ( .77 % ) . Fifty ( 68 % ) received counseling for abnormal findings . CONCLUSIONS Recognition of newly diagnosed AAA compared favorably with that of previous screening studies . Electronic clinical reminders identify undiagnosed , life-threatening AAAs before rupture . Immediate counseling is available in the vascular setting
Electronic reminders are a simple EMR addition that can provide evidence -based education while improving adherence rates with preventive health screening measures
Abstract : The 2014 United States Preventive Services Task Force systematic review found abdominal aortic aneurysm ( AAA ) screening decreased related mortality by close to half .
Despite the simplicity of screening , research suggests poor adherence to the recommended AAA screening guidelines .