Evaluating follow-up of positive fecal occult blood test results: lessons learned.
The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a follow-up system for positive fecal occult blood test (FOBT) results in a single tertiary care hospital. The system consisted of a designated nurse who reviewed records of all positive FOBT cases for appropriate follow-up testing and notified clinic managers if no follow-up occurred. This system identified 63/423 (15%) of positive FOBT cases with inadequate follow-up in a 10-month period, but it was unsuccessful in ensuring subsequent follow-up in 24% of these cases. Primary care providers often lacked knowledge regarding appropriate follow-up testing. More direct follow-up of positive FOBT results is recommended.
Chen
Z John
ZJ
Minnesota Gastroenterology, P.A., Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Kammer
Diane
D
Bond
John H
JH
Ho
Samuel B
SB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003113:Colonoscopy; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D014481:United States