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Clare CA, Liu C, Greenberg A, Liberatos P, Channen L, Ram K, Fernandez S, Harley J. Colorectal Cancer Screening Knowledge and Practices Among Practicing Obstetrician-Gynecologists and Residents. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 4:1-10. [PMID: 36727095 PMCID: PMC9883669 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2022.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the US, the third most diagnosed cancer in women, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The aims of our study are to (1) investigate knowledge of and adherence to CRC screening guidelines by obstetrician-gynecologists (Ob/Gyns) and (2) assess whether this knowledge/adherence vary by demographic and practice characteristics. METHODS An anonymous cross-sectional survey was distributed to a convenience sample of 142 practicing Obs/Gyns drawn from National Medical Association section members/conference attendees and hospital Ob/Gyn department members. RESULTS Most respondents (80.3%) viewed colorectal screening within the scope of Ob/Gyn practice, and 71.8% used the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines for screening. Most respondents were knowledgeable regarding CRC screening but not in all areas. On average they only identified half of the 10 risk factors listed and only one-quarter correctly identified the age when screening can stop. Residents were somewhat more knowledgeable about screening guidelines and risk factors than attendings. More than half of respondents (57.8%) reported always initiating CRC screening for the appropriate age and risk factors. Respondents identified education and awareness (56.3%) and patients' unwillingness to undergo an invasive procedure (75.4%) as barriers to screening. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge regarding CRC screening was less than optimal and differed by attending/resident status. Greater emphasis should be placed on CRC screening and guidelines training for primary care providers like Ob/Gyns. Some of this could be accomplished through maintenance of certification and continued integration into residency education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille A. Clare
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Clive Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Arielle Greenberg
- New York Medical College, School of Medicine, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Penny Liberatos
- Department of Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Lindsey Channen
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kavitha Ram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Jamaica, New York, USA
| | - Silvia Fernandez
- Department of Gastroenterology, New York City Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer Harley
- Department of Gastroenterology, New York City Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, New York, New York, USA
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Colorectal Cancer Screening Practices Among Texas Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Gastroenterol Nurs 2021; 43:156-163. [PMID: 32251217 DOI: 10.1097/sga.0000000000000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was two-fold: (1) To describe and compare Texas Nurse Practitioners' and Physician Assistants' knowledge and use of current screening guidelines for individuals at varying risk for colorectal cancer and (2) to compare their recommendations for referral for genetic counseling for persons at increased risk for colorectal or endometrial cancer. The study used a descriptive correlational comparative design. A self-administered web-based survey was sent to the members of the Texas Nurse Practitioner Association and the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants. The questionnaire consisted of 44 items categorized in three domains: demographics, knowledge of national guidelines for risk-stratified colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, and referral for genetic counseling and CRC-screening practices. Data were collected from July through October 2014. More than 75% of the survey respondents reported confidence in their knowledge of the lifetime risk of colorectal cancer and the recommendations for screening in the average-risk adult. Fifty-one percent of both groups reported that they were familiar with Lynch syndrome; however, the nurse practitioners had a lower awareness of the lifetime risk of colorectal cancer associated with Lynch syndrome compared to the physician assistants. Only 34.1% of the nurse practitioners and 23.5% of the physician assistants were aware of the lifetime risk of developing endometrial cancer diagnosed before 60 years of age in women with Lynch syndrome, and only 39.6% of the physician assistants and 40% of the nurse practitioners reported performing a three-generation family history of cancer as a risk assessment. Less than 50% of the respondents would refer a patient with a personal or family history of colorectal or endometrial cancer diagnosed before the age of 60 years for genetic counseling. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in primary care need more formal and continuing education in risk-stratified screening and referral for genetic counseling in adults at increased risk for colorectal cancer. The academic curricula of both disciplines need to include more content on genetic and genomic influences on the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer and the role of this information for screening and personalized treatment.
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Celik SU, Cay HG, Bayrakdar E, Ince A, Ince EN, Celik Y, Yucel YE, Koc MA, Ersoz S, Akyol C. Colorectal cancer screening behaviors of general surgeons and first-degree family members: a survey-based study. BMC Gastroenterol 2019; 19:183. [PMID: 31718575 PMCID: PMC6852782 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-019-1106-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are low in the general population and among health care providers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the CRC screening practices of general surgeons who provide specialized diagnostic testing and CRC treatment and to examine the CRC screening behaviors of their first-degree family members. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among general surgeons who attended the 21st National Surgical Congress in Turkey held from April 11th to 15th, 2018. The survey included items on demographics, screening-related attitude, CRC screening options, barriers to CRC screening, and surgeons’ annual volumes of CRC cases. Results A total of 530 respondents completed the survey. Almost one-third of the responding surgeons (29.4%, n = 156) were aged over 50 years, among whom approximately half (47.1%, n = 74) reported having undergone CRC screening and preferring a colonoscopy as the screening modality (78.4%). Among general surgeons aged 50 years and older, high-volume surgeons (≥25 CRC cases per year) were more likely to undergo screening compared with low-volume surgeons (< 25 CRC cases per year). The respondents aged below 50 years reported that 56.1% (n = 210) of their first-degree relatives were up-to-date with CRC screening, mostly with colonoscopy. Compared to low-volume surgeons aged below 50 years, high-volume surgeons’ first-degree relatives were more likely to be up-to-date with CRC screening. Conclusion The survey results demonstrated that routine screening for CRC among surgeons and/or their first-degree relatives is currently not performed at the desired level. However, high-volume surgeons are more likely to participate in routine screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suleyman Utku Celik
- Department of General Surgery, Gulhane Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hasan Gorkem Cay
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ersin Bayrakdar
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysima Ince
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Nur Ince
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yasemin Celik
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yunus Emre Yucel
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ali Koc
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Siyar Ersoz
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cihangir Akyol
- Department of General Surgery, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
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Abstract
Team-based care in the outpatient women's health setting has the potential to help alleviate the demand for women's health care providers and to deliver improved quality of care to the growing population of US women. Although teamwork is necessary in the current health care system, most of the current obstetrics and gynecology and advanced practice provider (APP) workforce were not trained for collaborative practice. Core competencies for building an effective outpatient women's health care team are explained and current evidence regarding the specific role of APPs in women's health care is reviewed.
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Hoffman SJ, Guindon GE, Lavis JN, Randhawa H, Becerra-Posada F, Boupha B, Shi G, Turdaliyeva BS. Clinicians' knowledge and practices regarding family planning and intrauterine devices in China, Kazakhstan, Laos and Mexico. Reprod Health 2016; 13:70. [PMID: 27283191 PMCID: PMC4901518 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-016-0185-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely agreed that the practices of clinicians should be based on the best available research evidence, but too often this evidence is not reliably disseminated to people who can make use of it. This "know-do" gap leads to ineffective resource use and suboptimal provision of services, which is especially problematic in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) which face greater resource limitations. Family planning, including intrauterine device (IUD) use, represents an important area to evaluate clinicians' knowledge and practices in order to make improvements. METHODS A questionnaire was developed, tested and administered to 438 individuals in China (n = 115), Kazakhstan (n = 110), Laos (n = 105), and Mexico (n = 108). The participants responded to ten questions assessing knowledge and practices relating to contraception and IUDs, and a series of questions used to determine their individual characteristics and working context. Ordinal logistic regressions were conducted with knowledge and practices as dependent variables. RESULTS Overall, a 96 % response rate was achieved (n = 438/458). Only 2.8 % of respondents were able to correctly answer all five knowledge-testing questions, and only 0.9 % self-reported "often" undertaking all four recommended clinical practices and "never" performing the one practice that was contrary to recommendation. Statistically significant factors associated with knowledge scores included: 1) having a masters or doctorate degree; and 2) often reading scientific journals from high-income countries. Significant factors associated with recommended practices included: 1) training in critically appraising systematic reviews; 2) training in the care of patients with IUDs; 3) believing that research performed in their own country is above average or excellent in quality; 4) being based in a facility operated by an NGO; and 5) having the view that higher quality available research is important to improving their work. CONCLUSIONS This analysis supports previous work emphasizing the need for improved knowledge and practices among clinicians concerning the use of IUDs for family planning. It also identifies areas in which targeted interventions may prove effective. Assessing opportunities for increasing education and training programs for clinicians in research and IUD provision could prove to be particularly effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Hoffman
- Global Strategy Lab, Centre for Health Law, Policy & Ethics, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, Fauteux Hall, 57 Louis Pasteur Street, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- Department of Global Health & Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - G Emmanuel Guindon
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Centre for Health Economics & Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - John N Lavis
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Global Health & Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Centre for Health Economics & Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Harkanwal Randhawa
- Global Strategy Lab, Centre for Health Law, Policy & Ethics, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, Fauteux Hall, 57 Louis Pasteur Street, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada
- McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Boungnong Boupha
- Foreign Affairs Committee and Women's Caucus, Laos National Assembly, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - Guang Shi
- Democratic Party of Peasants & Workers in China, Beijing, China
| | - Botagoz S Turdaliyeva
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Evidence-Based Health Centre, Almaty, Kazakhstan
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Hoffman SJ, Guindon GE, Lavis JN, Randhawa H, Becerra-Posada F, Dejman M, Falahat K, Malek-Afzali H, Ramachandran P, Shi G, Yesudian CAK. Surveying the Knowledge and Practices of Health Professionals in China, India, Iran, and Mexico on Treating Tuberculosis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2016; 94:959-970. [PMID: 26903613 PMCID: PMC4856627 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Research evidence continues to reveal findings important for health professionals' clinical practices, yet it is not consistently disseminated to those who can use it. The resulting deficits in knowledge and service provision may be especially pronounced in low- and middle-income countries that have greater resource constraints. Tuberculosis treatment is an important area for assessing professionals' knowledge and practices because of the effectiveness of existing treatments and recognized gaps in professionals' knowledge about treatment. This study surveyed 384 health professionals in China, India, Iran, and Mexico on their knowledge and practices related to tuberculosis treatment. Few respondents correctly answered all five knowledge questions (12%) or self-reported performing all five recommended clinical practices "often or very often" (3%). Factors associated with higher knowledge scores included clinical specialization and working with researchers. Factors associated with better practices included training in the care of tuberculosis patients, being based in a hospital, trusting systematic reviews of randomized controlled double-blind trials, and reading summaries of articles, reports, and reviews. This study highlights several strategies that may prove effective in improving health professionals' knowledge and practices related to tuberculosis treatment. Facilitating interactions with researchers and training in acquiring systematic reviews may be especially helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Hoffman
- Global Strategy Lab, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Valmar International, Mumbai, India; Department of Policy Research, Chinese Peasants' and Workers' Democratic Party, Beijing, China; Health Systems Consultant and Trainer, Mumbai, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Parasurama Ramachandran
- Global Strategy Lab, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland; Deputy of Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Valmar International, Mumbai, India; Department of Policy Research, Chinese Peasants' and Workers' Democratic Party, Beijing, China; Health Systems Consultant and Trainer, Mumbai, India
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Muliira JK, D'Souza MS, Ahmed SM, Al-Dhahli SN, Al-Jahwari FRM. Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Settings: Attitudes and Knowledge of Nurses and Physicians. Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs 2016; 3:98-107. [PMID: 27981145 PMCID: PMC5123546 DOI: 10.4103/2347-5625.177391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Healthcare providers (HCPs) play a critical role in reducing colorectal cancer (CRC) related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed at exploring the attitudes and knowledge of nurses and physicians working in primary care settings regarding CRC screening. Methods: A total of 142 HCPs (57.7% nurses and 42.3% physicians) participated in a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using a Self-administered Questionnaire. The participants were clinically experienced (mean = 9.39 years; standard deviation [SD] = 6.13), regularly taking care of adults eligible for CRC screening (62%) and had positive attitudes toward CRC screening (83.1%). Most participants (57%) had low levels of knowledge about CRC screening (mean = 3.23; SD = 1.50). The participants were most knowledgeable about the recommended age for initiating screening (62.7%) and the procedures not recommended for screening (90.8%). Results: More than 55% did not know the frequency of performing specific screening procedures, the upper age limit at which screening is not recommended, and the patients at high-risk for CRC. There were no significant differences between nurses’ and physicians’ attitudes and knowledge. The participants’ perceptions about professional training (odds ratio [OR] = 2.17, P = 0.003), colonoscopy (OR = 2.60, P = 0.014), and double-contrast barium enema (OR = 0.53, P = 0.041), were significantly associated with knowledge about CRC screening. Conclusions: The inadequate knowledge levels among nurses and physicians may be one of the barriers affecting CRC screening. Enhancing HCPs knowledge about CRC screening should be considered a primary intervention in the efforts to promote CRC screening and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Kanaabi Muliira
- Department of Adult Health and Critical Care, College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Melba Sheila D'Souza
- Department of Adult Health and Critical Care, College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Samira Maroof Ahmed
- Department of Community and Mental Health, College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Liang PS, Wheat CL, Abhat A, Brenner AT, Fagerlin A, Hayward RA, Thomas JP, Vijan S, Inadomi JM. Adherence to Competing Strategies for Colorectal Cancer Screening Over 3 Years. Am J Gastroenterol 2016; 111:105-14. [PMID: 26526080 PMCID: PMC4887132 DOI: 10.1038/ajg.2015.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We have shown that, in a randomized trial comparing adherence to different colorectal cancer (CRC) screening strategies, participants assigned to either fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) or given a choice between FOBT and colonoscopy had significantly higher adherence than those assigned to colonoscopy during the first year. However, how adherence to screening changes over time is unknown. METHODS In this trial, 997 participants were cluster randomized to one of the three screening strategies: (i) FOBT, (ii) colonoscopy, or (iii) a choice between FOBT and colonoscopy. Research assistants helped participants to complete testing only in the first year. Adherence to screening was defined as completion of three FOBT cards in each of 3 years after enrollment or completion of colonoscopy within the first year of enrollment. The primary outcome was adherence to assigned strategy over 3 years. Additional outcomes included identification of sociodemographic factors associated with adherence. RESULTS Participants assigned to annual FOBT completed screening at a significantly lower rate over 3 years (14%) than those assigned to colonoscopy (38%, P<0.001) or choice (42%, P<0.001); however, completion of any screening test fell precipitously, indicating the strong effect of patient navigation. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, being randomized to the choice or colonoscopy group, Chinese language, homosexuality, being married/partnered, and having a non-nurse practitioner primary care provider were independently associated with greater adherence to screening (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS In a 3-year follow-up of a randomized trial comparing competing CRC screening strategies, participants offered a choice between FOBT and colonoscopy continued to have relatively high adherence, whereas adherence in the FOBT group fell significantly below that of the choice and colonoscopy groups. Patient navigation is crucial to achieving adherence to CRC screening, and FOBT is especially vulnerable because of the need for annual testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter S. Liang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Chelle L. Wheat
- Department of Health Services, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Anshu Abhat
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alison T. Brenner
- Cecil Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Angela Fagerlin
- Veteran Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rodney A. Hayward
- Veteran Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jennifer P. Thomas
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sandeep Vijan
- Veteran Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - John M. Inadomi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Kepka D, Smith A, Zeruto C, Yabroff KR. Is provider type associated with cancer screening and prevention: advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:233. [PMID: 24685149 PMCID: PMC4230633 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physician recommendations for cancer screening and prevention are associated with patient compliance. However, time constraints may limit physicians' ability to provide all recommended preventive services, especially with increasing demand from the Affordable Care Act in the United States. Team-based practice that includes advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants (APRN/PA) may help meet this demand. This study investigates the relationship between an APRN/PA visit and receipt of guideline-consistent cancer screening and prevention recommendations. METHODS Data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression to assess provider type seen and receipt of guideline-consistent cancer screening and prevention recommendations (n = 26,716). RESULTS In adjusted analyses, women who saw a primary care physician (PCP) and an APRN/PA or a PCP without an APRN/PA in the past 12 months were more likely to be compliant with cervical and breast cancer screening guidelines than women who did not see a PCP or APRN/PA (all p < 0.0001 for provider type). Women and men who saw a PCP and an APRN/PA or a PCP without an APRN/PA were also more likely to receive guideline consistent colorectal cancer screening and advice to quit smoking and participate in physical activity than women and men who did not see a PCP or APRN/PA (all p < 0.01 for provider type). CONCLUSIONS Seeing a PCP alone, or in conjunction with an APRN/PA is associated with patient receipt of guideline-consistent cancer prevention and screening recommendations. Integrating APRN/PA into primary care may assist with the delivery of cancer prevention and screening services. More intervention research efforts are needed to explore how APRN/PA will be best able to increase cancer screening, HPV vaccination, and receipt of behavioral counseling, especially during this era of healthcare reform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Kepka
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | - K Robin Yabroff
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Smith AA, Kepka D, Yabroff KR. Advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants and cancer prevention and screening: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:68. [PMID: 24521264 PMCID: PMC3931925 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For more than two decades, integration of team-based approaches in primary care, including physicians, advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants (APRN/PA), have been recommended for improving healthcare delivery, yet little is known about their roles in cancer screening and prevention. This study aims to review the current literature on the participation and roles of APRN/PAs in providing cancer screening and prevention recommendations in primary care settings in the United States. METHODS We searched MEDLINE and CINAHL to identify studies published in 1990-2011 reporting on cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screening and smoking cessation, diet, and physical activity recommendations by APRN/PAs in the United States. A total of 15 studies met all of our eligibility criteria. Key study, provider, and patient characteristics were abstracted as were findings about APRN/PA recommendations for screening and prevention. RESULTS Most studies were cross-sectional, showed results from within a single city or state, had relatively small sample sizes, reported non-standardized outcome measures. Few studies reported any patient characteristics. APRN/PAs are involved in recommending cancer screening and prevention, although we found variation across screening tests and health behavior recommendations. CONCLUSIONS Additional research on the cancer prevention and screening practices of APRN/PAs in primary care settings using standardized outcome measures in relation to evidence-based guidelines may help strengthen primary care delivery in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Deanna Kepka
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
- College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - K Robin Yabroff
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Papanikolaou IS, Sioulas AD, Kalimeris S, Papatheodosiou P, Karabinis I, Agelopoulou O, Beintaris I, Polymeros D, Dimitriadis G, Triantafyllou K. Awareness and attitudes of Greek medical students on colorectal cancer screening. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2012; 4:513-517. [PMID: 23189223 PMCID: PMC3506969 DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v4.i11.513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To prospectively assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical students (MS), as tomorrow’s physicians, about colorectal cancer (CRC) and its screening modalities.
METHODS: Three hundred fourth year MS of the University of Athens were enrolled in this survey. Their selection was random, based on student identification card number. All participants completed an anonymous written questionnaire over a 4 month period. The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections and included queries about CRC-related symptoms, screening with colonoscopy and MS awareness and attitudes in this field. Following collection and analysis of the data, the results are presented as percentages of answers for each separate question.
RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-five students answered the questionnaire over a 4 mo period. Interestingly, only 69% of the study population considered CRC to be a high-risk condition for public health. However, the vast majority of participants identified CRC-related symptoms and acknowledged its screening to be of great value in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. A very small proportion (38%) had received information material regarding CRC screening (either during their medical training or as a part of information provided to the general public) and only 60% of the participants declared willingness to receive further information. Regarding colonoscopy, 85% would prefer an alternative to colonoscopy methods for CRC screening. Moreover, 53% considered it to be a painful method and 68% would appreciate more information about the examination.
CONCLUSION: MS in Greece need to be better informed about CRC screening and screening colonoscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis S Papanikolaou
- Ioannis S Papanikolaou, Athanasios D Sioulas, Stylianos Kalimeris, Persephone Papatheodosiou, Ioannis Karabinis, Olga Agelopoulou, Iosif Beintaris, Dimitrios Polymeros, George Dimitriadis, Konstantinos Triantafyllou, Hepatogastroenterology Unit, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine and Research Unit, Attikon University General Hospital, Medical School, Athens University, 12462 Haidari, Greece
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So C, Kirby KA, Mehta K, Hoffman RM, Powell AA, Freedland SJ, Sirovich B, Yano EM, Walter LC. Medical center characteristics associated with PSA screening in elderly veterans with limited life expectancy. J Gen Intern Med 2012; 27:653-60. [PMID: 22180196 PMCID: PMC3358397 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-011-1945-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2011] [Revised: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although guidelines recommend against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in elderly men with limited life expectancy, screening is common. OBJECTIVE We sought to identify medical center characteristics associated with screening in this population. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS We conducted a prospective study of 622,262 screen-eligible men aged 70+ seen at 104 VA medical centers in 2003. MAIN MEASURES Primary outcome was the percentage of men at each center who received PSA screening in 2003, based on VA data and Medicare claims. Men were stratified into life expectancy groups ranging from favorable (age 70-79 with Charlson score = 0) to limited (age 85+ with Charlson score ≥1 or age 70+ with Charlson score ≥4). Medical center characteristics were obtained from the 1999-2000 VA Survey of Primary Care Practices and publicly available VA data sources. KEY RESULTS Among 123,223 (20%) men with limited life expectancy, 45% received PSA screening in 2003. Across 104 VAs, the PSA screening rate among men with limited life expectancy ranged from 25-79% (median 43%). Higher screening was associated with the following center characteristics: no academic affiliation (50% vs. 43%, adjusted RR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.04-1.25), a ratio of midlevel providers to physicians ≥3:4 (55% vs. 45%, adjusted RR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.09-1.32) and location in the South (49% vs. 39% in the West, adjusted RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.12-1.40). Use of incentives and high scores on performance measures were not independently associated with screening. Within centers, the percentages of men screened with limited and favorable life expectancies were highly correlated (r = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS Substantial practice variation exists for PSA screening in older men with limited life expectancy across VAs. The high center-specific correlation of screening among men with limited and favorable life expectancies indicates that PSA screening is poorly targeted according to life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia So
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Katharine A. Kirby
- Division of Geriatrics, San Francisco VA Medical Center and University of California, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Kala Mehta
- Division of Geriatrics, San Francisco VA Medical Center and University of California, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Richard M. Hoffman
- New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque and Department of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Adam A. Powell
- Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System and Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - Stephen J. Freedland
- Durham VA Medical Center and Duke Prostate Center, Duke University, Durham, NC USA
| | | | - Elizabeth M. Yano
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Provider Behavior, VA Greater Los Angeles Health System and Department of Health Services, UCLA School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Louise C. Walter
- Division of Geriatrics, San Francisco VA Medical Center and University of California, San Francisco, CA USA
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Hoffman SJ, Guindon GE, Lavis JN, Ndossi GD, Osei EJA, Sidibe MF, Boupha B. Assessing healthcare providers' knowledge and practices relating to insecticide-treated nets and the prevention of malaria in Ghana, Laos, Senegal and Tanzania. Malar J 2011; 10:363. [PMID: 22165841 PMCID: PMC3265439 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-10-363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research evidence is not always being disseminated to healthcare providers who need it to inform their clinical practice. This can result in the provision of ineffective services and an inefficient use of resources, the implications of which might be felt particularly acutely in low- and middle-income countries. Malaria prevention is a particularly compelling domain to study evidence/practice gaps given the proven efficacy, cost-effectiveness and disappointing utilization of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). METHODS This study compares what is known about ITNs to the related knowledge and practices of healthcare providers in four low- and middle-income countries. A new questionnaire was developed, pilot tested, translated and administered to 497 healthcare providers in Ghana (140), Laos (136), Senegal (100) and Tanzania (121). Ten questions tested participants' knowledge and clinical practice related to malaria prevention. Additional questions addressed their individual characteristics, working context and research-related activities. Ordinal logistic regressions with knowledge and practices as the dependent variable were conducted in addition to descriptive statistics. RESULTS The survey achieved a 75% response rate (372/497) across Ghana (107/140), Laos (136/136), Senegal (51/100) and Tanzania (78/121). Few participating healthcare providers correctly answered all five knowledge questions about ITNs (13%) or self-reported performing all five clinical practices according to established evidence (2%). Statistically significant factors associated with higher knowledge within each country included: 1) training in acquiring systematic reviews through the Cochrane Library (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.30-4.73); and 2) ability to read and write English well or very well (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.05-2.70). Statistically significant factors associated with better clinical practices within each country include: 1) reading scientific journals from their own country (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.10-2.54); 2) working with researchers to improve their clinical practice or quality of working life (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.04-1.98); 3) training on malaria prevention since their last degree (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.17-2.39); and 4) easy access to the internet (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.08-2.14). CONCLUSIONS Improving healthcare providers' knowledge and practices is an untapped opportunity for expanding ITN utilization and preventing malaria. This study points to several strategies that may help bridge the gap between what is known from research evidence and the knowledge and practices of healthcare providers. Training on acquiring systematic reviews and facilitating internet access may be particularly helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Hoffman
- McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Global Health Diplomacy Program, Munk School of Global Affairs, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Interfaculty Initiative in Health Policy, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - G Emmanuel Guindon
- Propel Centre for Population Health Impact, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - John N Lavis
- McMaster Health Forum, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Political Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Eric JA Osei
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Secretariat, Accra, Ghana
| | - Mintou Fall Sidibe
- Direction des Études de la Recherche et de la Formation, Comité National d' Éthique, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Boungnong Boupha
- National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic
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