Improving colonoscopy referral rates through computer-supported, primary care practice redesign.
This quality improvement project was designed to improve rates of referral for colonoscopy screening in the Utah Health Research Network, University of Utah Community Clinics. This study was conducted between October 2004 and June 2007 with the main intervention being a clinic workflow modification using computerized screening reminders embedded in the electronic medical record (EMR). The intervention led to sustained improvement, largely driven by the performance of two network clinics. This study demonstrates that a robust EMR, with decision prompts, accompanied by clinic workflow changes and feedback to providers, can lead to sustained change in the rates of colonoscopy referral.
Magill
Michael K
MK
Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Community Clinics, University of Utah, USA. michael.magill@hsc.utah.edu
Day
Julie
J
Mervis
Annie
A
Donnelly
Steven M
SM
Parsons
Mary
M
Baker
Anna Nibley
AN
Johnson
Linda
L
Egger
Marlene J
MJ
Nunu
Jerilin
J
Prunuske
Jacob
J
James
Brent C
BC
Burt
Randall
R
D003113:Colonoscopy; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D017010:Reminder Systems