An analysis of factors contributing to low colonoscopy rates at Kline Health Center in comparison to the national average in the USA (according to the internal quality measures of the medical group fiscal year 2023) and a follow-up initiative to improve colon cancer screening participation.
Authors: Wern Lynn Ng, Alice He, Gabriela Calderon Barahona, Seema Oli, Adan Martin Cuevas Velazquez, Lay She Ng, Si Yuan Khor, Elham Nasrollahi, Fatma Betul Yilmaz, Maha Azhar, Evelyn Calderon-Martinez, Moe Pwint Htoo, Hanna Bobrysheva, Diana Gavilanes, Hajira Mirza, Faith Seltun, Rongrong Ge, Chandi Garg, Anas Atrash
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2024)

e23244 Background: The UPMC-Kline Health Center (KHC) located in Harrisburg, PA, has a lower colon cancer screening rate compared to the general patient population in the USA (26.03% vs 78%, respectively, according to the Medical Group Fiscal Year 2023 Internal Quality Measures). To understand the reasons behind this disparity, a comprehensive questionnaire was conducted aiming to identify factors contributing to the lower colonoscopy screening rate and to implement targeted interventions to improve the situation. Methods: Surveys were distributed to eligible patients aged 45 to 75 at the clinic, considering linguistic diversity by preparing questionnaires in Spanish, English, and Nepali. Distribution, randomized and conducted by medical assistants, aims to identify and address specific clinic-related issues. Subsequent assessment, after a few months, will determine improvements resulting from interventions targeting the underlying causes of screening gaps. Results: Over a three-month period, a total of 77 questionnaires were completed and collected. We analyzed responses from 33 patients (42%, 14 females, and 19 males; 16 white/Caucasian, 14 black/African American, 2 Asian, 1 other; 8 Hispanic/Latino, 25 non-Hispanic/Latino) who had not undergone a colonoscopy in the past 10 years. Findings revealed that 72% (24/33) of patients reported not receiving paperwork for scheduling, while 72% (24/33) were not contacted to schedule the test. Additionally, 78% (26/33) of patients did not receive a reminder call or message before their scheduled appointments. 51% (17/33) of patients highlighted a lack of insurance coverage for costs, with 63% (21/33) indicating the need for a co-pay. 57% (19/33) of patients reported difficulties in obtaining the screening test. 51% (17/33) of patients mentioned that their healthcare provider discussed the importance of the screening test, and 54% (18/33) of patients noted that their providers explained the purpose of the test. Conclusions: The survey identifies scheduling, communication, and cost-related barriers to colon cancer screening at KHC. Proposed interventions, including the implementation of automated reminders, integrating technology to facilitate communication, and incorporating flyers within the clinic and patient waiting areas. This quality improvement project is ongoing, with data scheduled for recollection in a few months. These measures are anticipated to foster improvements, aiding more patients in preventing delayed cancer diagnoses. KHC aims to create a patient-friendly environment by addressing scheduling inefficiencies, improving communication, and tackling financial concerns for timely and accessible colon cancer screenings.