Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1242957
33 Executive Briefing getting patients into the system and the screening completed." The population health team handles mass mailings to reach as many people as possible. That reduces the burden on primary care providers. To remind patients about CRC screening, Austin Regional Clinic has also implemented alerts in the patient portal. In addition, when the nursing staff or physicians open the EHR, reminders notify them if the patient is due for a screening test. Positive patient experience is key when it comes to preventive screenings Three years ago, St. Elizabeth Physicians launched its campaign to increase CRC screening rates. A cornerstone of the initiative is greater convenience for patients through streamlined processes. "One of the big things that we implemented is direct scheduling of colonoscopies with our GI providers and surrounding partners," Ms. Church said. "While the patient is in the exam room, we can pull up the schedule and tell them immediately when there is availability for the procedure and schedule it on the spot." Discussions about CRC screening during primary care appointments can be impactful. St. Elizabeth Physicians are able to offer multiple modalities including colonoscopy, MT- sDNA, or FIT test, so patients can leave their appointment with an established path to screening completion. "To further support patients, we have added a benefits check across all our CRC screening options," Ms. Church said. "We've also implemented nurse navigators to discuss CRC test results with patients and ensure appropriate follow-up with specialists when needed." Weekend wellness clinics are another element of St. Elizabeth Physicians' CRC screening campaign. These have proven to be very popular with patients. Patients can come to a Saturday clinic, meet with nurses and quickly close multiple health gaps related to diabetes care, cancer screenings and immunizations. A mammogram van is in the parking lot offering screenings on the spot. In addition, patients can work with their providers to determine the CRC screening test right for them and be able to schedule or order the tests at that time. Point-of-care testing is also available for A1C levels, blood pressure and microalbumin. "Patients have been very responsive to this approach because it's quick and they can address several issues in a short period of time," Dr. Tracy said. "Convenience is key in healthcare these days. Caregivers for older people really like the weekend clinics because they don't have to take time off work." As CRC screening rates rise, patient outcomes can improve Improving CRC screening rates requires leadership to establish a specific goal and launch a coordinated effort across health system to achieve that goal. St. Elizabeth Physicians has a goal to have 80 percent of its population screened for CRC by the end of 2020. As of February, the organization had hit 71 percent. Austin Regional Clinic has also set internal metrics around CRC screening, with a goal of being best in class in Texas and in the top 10 percent in the United States. Reaching these objectives requires a change in mindset. "We need to focus on prevention and wellness. That's a big shift because we are trained to treat disease," Dr. Tracy said. To engage physicians, St. Elizabeth Physicians has implemented quality measures around CRC screening which are tied to provider compensation. The organization has also achieved CMS Five Star ratings for preventative services, including CRC screening. Last year alone, providers at St. Elizabeth Physicians captured over 700 precancerous polyps and early colon cancer in patients. Early detection makes it possible to intervene with patients before their situation is critical. "When we detect adenomatous polyps, altered DNA and abnormal cells associated with cancer or precancer, people are in a better position to avoid colorectal cancer in the long term," Dr. Zdunek said. "That's the end game we're trying to achieve." Ms. Church agreed, "With cancer screening programs, data shows that being tested earlier leads to better outcomes. We are seeing a transition from later staging identification to much earlier, which often leads to positive patient outcomes." More options mean more progress on colorectal cancer screening New options and more information have transformed the way CRC screening is conducted. Listening to patients, hearing their concerns and offering testing options that align with their needs are all essential. Shared decision-making means explaining different screening options, including the required frequency of the tests, the commitment required for each, the costs and the pros and cons. Choice ignites change. The bottom line is this: The more patients screened for CRC, the more lives that can be impacted. As the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force noted 7 , "The best screening test is the one that gets done." As screening rates increase, progress will continue to be made in the war on colorectal cancer. Dr. Zdunek noted, "When I look at where we've come in colorectal screening from the time I started practicing 30 to 40 years ago, it's night and day. That speaks volumes about the new techniques that are available." n 1 https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/about/key- statistics.html 2 https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/ cancer-facts-and-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures/ colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures-2017-2019.pdf 3 https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/ cancer-facts-and-statistics/colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures/ colorectal-cancer-facts-and-figures-2017-2019.pdf 4 https://www.cancer.org/research/cancer-facts-statistics/all- cancer-facts-figures/cancer-facts-figures-2019.html 5 https://nccrt.org/resource/2019messagingguidebook/ 6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22493463 7 https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/404 A leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, Exact Sciences relentlessly pursues smarter solutions providing the clarity to take life-changing action, earlier. 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