Date Available

4-19-2022

Year of Publication

2022

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Julie Ossege

Clinical Mentor

Jessica Sass

Committee Member

Dr. Angie Grubbs

Committee Member

Dr. Elizabeth Tovar

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death among Americans and Kentuckians. Most colorectal cancers are slow-growing, making regular colorectal cancer screening increasingly important to decrease morbidity and mortality. Although of this importance, there is low screening rates. Thus, the need to explore all colorectal screening options.

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to increase the number of patients screened for colorectal cancer by providing education on colorectal cancer and screening options in a primary care setting.

Methods: The design of the study was a 2 group quasi-experimental practice improvement project using a post-test educational survey and chart review. The intervention was a tailored educational pamphlet developed by the Kentucky Cancer Program with information regarding CRC and types of CRC screening. The intervention was given to patients 50 to 75 years old who were being seen at the clinic that day and due for CRC screening. The control group (n=15) consisted of patients who were due for CRC screening and received usual care at the clinic. A three-question post-test was used to assess patient knowledge changes and likelihood of screening post-intervention. Chart reviews assessed completion status of CRC screening within four months following implementation of education.

Results: The project had 17 participants. There was a 100% success rate in participants being able to review the pamphlet and 88.2% (n=15) of participants reported that they learned something new about CRC or screening options. Participants ranked their likelihood of completing CRC screening as a 5.59 out of 10, with 10 being very likely. Overall, There was no significant difference in CRC screening rates between the control and intervention groups.

Conclusions: The findings of this QI project show that tailored patient education pamphlets did not have a significant impact on the rates of CRC screening at this clinic although CRC knowledge did increase among those in the intervention group.

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