Addressing Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Screening Through Quality Improvement

Study Overview

Recognizing a disparity in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening between resident and faculty patient panels, Dr. Kevin Tang and colleagues led a quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed at closing this gap. Using a resident-driven, interprofessional approach, the team developed a panel management protocol to enhance CRC screening among vulnerable populations served by resident clinics.

Key Findings

• Resident-led outreach improved CRC screening rates from 62% to 68% over a 4-month period.
• The disparity in CRC screening rates between resident and faculty panels narrowed by 29% (from 14% to 10%).
• Patients who received reminders during upcoming appointments had the highest screening completion rates.
• A multipronged approach combining FIT kits, colonoscopy referrals, and telehealth offered tailored solutions for patients.

Clinical Significance

This initiative demonstrates that resident-driven, interprofessional panel management can significantly improve preventive health outcomes. Targeted outreach, streamlined workflows, and addressing barriers outside the clinical encounter were key to reducing disparities. The work also highlights how innovative QI strategies can transform care delivery models, even in traditionally resource-constrained resident clinics.