Improving colonoscopy referral rates through computer-supported, primary care practice redesign

J Healthc Qual. 2009 Jul-Aug;31(4):43-52; quiz 52-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1945-1474.2009.00037.x.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Colonoscopy*
  • Electronic Health Records*
  • Humans
  • Primary Health Care / methods*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Referral and Consultation / trends
  • Reminder Systems*