Date of Presentation
5-2-2024 12:00 AM
College
Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine
Poster Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), breast cancer (BrCa), and cervical cancer are three of the most preventable cancers. Despite the known significance for early detection and treatment, barriers to screening remain. We developed a medical student-led project to improve adherence to national cancer screening guidelines in patients across Rowan-Virtua Family Medicine (FM) practices. This study assesses the initiative’s efficacy in improving adherence to CRC, BrCa, and cervical cancer screenings.
Methods: Rowan-Virtua FM patients between the ages of 21-75 (n=735) were identified as due or up-to-date on cancer screenings based on chart review. Student volunteers were trained to contact patients to discuss options for overdue screenings and place corresponding referrals. Patient demographics including sex, age, and race/ethnicity were collected. Outcomes included patient eligibility, number and rates of patients reached, referrals placed, and up-to-date patients.
Results: Among the 735 patients, mean (sd) age was 57.9 (11.5), 71.2% were female, 55.8% were white, 15.5% were Black, 4.4% were Hispanic, 1.4% were Asian and 23.4% did not specify their race/ethnicity. Per chart review, 643 (87.5%) patients were due for at least one cancer screening. Of 323 (50.2%) patients reached via phone, 30.7% received at least one referral for cancer screening, 23.2% reported being up-to-date on screenings, and 46.1% declined screening. A total of 28 colonoscopy, 38 stool DNA test, 38 mammogram, and 30 pap smear referrals were placed among 99 patients. 28 patients received referrals for more than one screening.
Conclusion: This student-led medical outreach project promoted increased adherence to national cancer screening guidelines.
Keywords
Cancer Screening, Referral, Breast Cancer, Colon Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Student-led, Early Detection of Cancer, Medical Students, Neoplasms
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Diagnosis | Family Medicine | Health and Medical Administration | Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences | Neoplasms | Preventive Medicine | Primary Care | Public Health Education and Promotion
Document Type
Poster
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Diagnosis Commons, Family Medicine Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Medical Education Commons, Neoplasms Commons, Preventive Medicine Commons, Primary Care Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons
Addressing Gaps in Care Through a Medical Student-Led Cancer Screening Project
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), breast cancer (BrCa), and cervical cancer are three of the most preventable cancers. Despite the known significance for early detection and treatment, barriers to screening remain. We developed a medical student-led project to improve adherence to national cancer screening guidelines in patients across Rowan-Virtua Family Medicine (FM) practices. This study assesses the initiative’s efficacy in improving adherence to CRC, BrCa, and cervical cancer screenings.
Methods: Rowan-Virtua FM patients between the ages of 21-75 (n=735) were identified as due or up-to-date on cancer screenings based on chart review. Student volunteers were trained to contact patients to discuss options for overdue screenings and place corresponding referrals. Patient demographics including sex, age, and race/ethnicity were collected. Outcomes included patient eligibility, number and rates of patients reached, referrals placed, and up-to-date patients.
Results: Among the 735 patients, mean (sd) age was 57.9 (11.5), 71.2% were female, 55.8% were white, 15.5% were Black, 4.4% were Hispanic, 1.4% were Asian and 23.4% did not specify their race/ethnicity. Per chart review, 643 (87.5%) patients were due for at least one cancer screening. Of 323 (50.2%) patients reached via phone, 30.7% received at least one referral for cancer screening, 23.2% reported being up-to-date on screenings, and 46.1% declined screening. A total of 28 colonoscopy, 38 stool DNA test, 38 mammogram, and 30 pap smear referrals were placed among 99 patients. 28 patients received referrals for more than one screening.
Conclusion: This student-led medical outreach project promoted increased adherence to national cancer screening guidelines.