Electronic data review, client reminders, and expanded clinic hours for improving cervical cancer screening rates after the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns: A multicomponent quality improvement program

Abstract

Background: To improve cervical cancer screening (CCS) rates, the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center implemented a quality improvement initiative from March to August 2021. Methods: Staff training was provided. A 21-provider team validated overdue CCS indicated by electronic medical record data. To improve screening, CCS-only sessions were created during regular clinic hours (n = 5) and weekends/evenings (n = 8). Patients were surveyed on their experience. Results: A total of 6126 charts were reviewed. Of the list of overdue patients, outreach was performed on 1375 patients to schedule the 13 sessions. A total of 459 (33%) patients completed screening, 622 (45%) could not be reached, and 203 (15%) canceled or missed appointments. The proportion of total active patients who were up to date with CCS increased from 68% in March to 73% in August 2021. Survey results indicated high patient satisfaction, and only 42% of patients would have scheduled CCS without outreach. Conclusions: The creation of a validated patient chart list and extra clinical sessions devoted entirely to CCS improved up-to-date CCS rates. However, high rates of unsuccessful outreach and cancelations limited sustainability. This information can be used by other community health centers to optimize clinical workflows for CCS. Funding: All funding was internal from the EBNHC Adult Medicine, Family Medicine, and Women’s Health Departments.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• cervix
• screening