Implementing a Combined Phone and Mail Recall to Increase Screening Colonoscopy Rates in Adults With Chronic Ulcerative Colitis

Abstract

Colon cancer is the third leading cancer nationally. To prevent colon cancer and decrease healthcare costs, high-risk individuals such as adults with chronic ulcerative colitis are recommended to stay up-to-date on screening colonoscopies. Despite these recommendations, screening colonoscopy rates remain low both globally and locally. The purpose of this article is to increase surveillance colonoscopy rates among adult patients with chronic ulcerative colitis. Research supports increasing surveillance colonoscopy rates by implementing a combined phone and mail recall with included educational material on the risks of colon cancer. At a clinic for inflammatory bowel disease patients in Southeast Alabama, participants with chronic ulcerative colitis who were overdue for screening colonoscopies were issued two reminder phone calls and a reminder letter coupled with educational material. Both the calls and letters reminded participants that they were due for a surveillance colonoscopy and provided them with an option to schedule the procedure. A pre- and post-survey was used to evaluate screening colonoscopy rates before and after the intervention. The survey indicated whether a patient had scheduled a colonoscopy, intended to schedule a colonoscopy, or completed a colonoscopy within 3 months of project completion. Survey results revealed an 83% increase in screening colonoscopies post-intervention. A chart audit was also performed 3 months after project completion and results indicated a 70% increase in completed colonoscopy rates. The findings from this evidence-based practice project indicate that implementing a phone and mail recall is successful in increasing screening colonoscopy rates.