| Colon cancer remains a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality in the United States. Screening procedures for the early detection of colon cancer were shown to significantly decrease colorectal cancer (CRC) occurrence and mortality, however screening rates remained low. The literature showed that a provider recommendation for CRC screening was positively associated with patient completion of CRC screening, however lack of reminders was identified as a barrier to provider recommendation. Therefore, the purpose of this evidence-based practice improvement project was to design, implement and evaluate a provider reminder to increase colon cancer screening rates in a primary care setting. A PICO question was formulated to assess the planned intervention: In a primary care practice, how does a provider reminder prompt for CRC screening compared to no provider reminder prompt affect colon cancer screening rates? A search of the evidence did show support for the implementation of a provider reminder prompt as an effective intervention to increase colon cancer screening rates. A detailed implementation strategy utilizing an evidence-based practice framework is discussed that includes a corresponding timeline, cost analysis and a specific plan to measure respective outcomes. Barriers to implementation and strategies for successful evidence-based practice (EBP) integration are discussed, as well as thoughts for future consideration regarding colon cancer screening.;Keywords: colorectal cancer, screening, reminder, evidence-based practice, primary care, provider. |
