Implementing Evidence-based Interventions at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates

Authors:

Keylee Wright (Presenter)
Indiana State Department of Health

Public Health Statement: Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and cause of cancer-related deaths among both males and females in the U.S. and Indiana.

Purpose: The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Cancer Sections utilized data from the Indiana State Cancer Registry to analyze the colon and rectum cancer burden in Indiana to identify public health districts with significantly different colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates than the state, and used data from the Indiana Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to determine the estimated number of adults meeting the United State Preventive Services Task Force screening guidelines by district.

Methods/Approach: The ISDH Cancer Sections worked with three FQHCs, in targeted areas based on colorectal cancer incidence, mortality, and screening data, to implement evidence-based strategies to increase screening rates. This 18-month, multi-phase initiative used the structure and methods outlined in the Steps for Increasing the Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates: A Manual for Community Health Centers. During the first phase, the FQHCs focused on making a plan and assembling a team, and focused on getting patients screened and coordinating care across the continuum throughout the second phase.

Results: Between the three FQHCs, colorectal cancer screening rates increased by 64 percent and all abnormal colorectal cancer screening results were tracked to ensure complete and timely follow-up.

Conclusions/Implications: Key strategies for increasing colorectal cancer screening rates for all of the FQHCs included adopting screening protocols, adopting screening options for average risk and uninsured patients, implementing evidence-based practices, assigning key roles and responsibilities to staff, and providing ongoing training on protocol implementation.