Cervical Cancer Prevention: Improving Abnormal Pap Follow-Up
Dana Fuqua, DNP, WHNP-BC (DNP Student)
Lisa J. Taylor-Swanson, PhD, MAcOM, LAc
Advisor: Erin J. Cole, DNP, CNM, WHNP-BC

Abstract

Cervical cancer continues to be a pervasive disease despite effective screening (Pap test) and treatment options available. Studies suggest that up to 40% of cervical cancer diagnoses result from a lack of follow-up after an abnormal Pap result. Practice and provider-related barriers contribute to this lack of follow-up and are targets identified for quality improvement (QI). To improve and standardize abnormal Pap follow-up, ASCCP provides risk-based algorithms for abnormal result management and treatment. However, due to the increasing complexity of these algorithms, many practices are not in compliance with ASCCP management guidelines.

Methods and Results

Aims and Methods: A QI project was implemented to reduce practice and provider-related barriers to abnormal Pap follow-up and increase compliance with ASCCP management guidelines. An improved EHR tracking and reminder system was developed and implemented within a large midwifery and women’s health practice in Utah. Post-intervention Likert-scale surveys were used to determine the acceptability and appropriateness of this project for increasing ASCCP compliance, and the feasibility of implementing this project in other practices. Interviews were administered to evaluate provider experience and satisfaction with this project in reducing barriers to follow-up.
Results: Post-intervention, all providers (100%, n=18) reported that the improved Pap tracking system reduced difficulty in managing abnormal Pap follow-up and ensured patients got follow-up when they may otherwise have been lost to care. Nearly 95% of providers (n=17) reported that the system helped reduce errors and time spent managing abnormal results. All providers (100%, n=18) agreed that this system met their approval and was applicable for improving ASCCP compliance. Nearly 95% of providers (n=17) reported that this project would be implementable for other practices.

Conclusions: This project demonstrated a reduction in practice and provider-related barriers to abnormal Pap follow-up, and an increase in compliance with ASCCP management guidelines through the use of this improved EHR tracking and reminder system. Due to unanimous provider support, this system remains in use. Results from this project indicate it is feasible and easily implementable. Suggested next steps include initiating EHR tracking functionalities within other practices performing cervical cancer screening.