Barriers to colorectal cancer screening: a comparison of reports from primary care physicians and average-risk adults

BACKGROUND: Barriers to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening are not well understood. OBJECTIVES: We sought to compare barriers to CRC screening reported by primary care physicians (PCPs) and by average-risk adults, and to examine characteristics of average-risk adults who identified lack of provider recommendation as a major barrier to CRC screening. RESEARCH DESIGN: This was a comparative study using data from the 1999-2000 Survey of Colorectal Cancer Screening Practices and the 2000 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). SUBJECTS: We recruited nationally representative samples of PCPs (n= 1235) from the SCCSP and average-risk adults (n = 6497) from the NHIS. MEASURES: We measured barriers to CRC screening identified by PCPs and average-risk adults who were not current with screening. RESULTS: Both PCPs and average-risk adults identified lack of patient awareness and physician recommendation as key barriers to obtaining CRC screening. PCPs also frequently cited patient embarrassment/anxiety about testing and test cost/lack of insurance coverage, but few adults identified these as major barriers. Of adults not current with testing, those who had visited a doctor in the past year or had health insurance were more likely to report lack of physician recommendation as the main reason they were not up-to-date compared with their counterparts with no doctor visit or health insurance. Only 10% of adults not current with testing and who had a doctor visit in the past year reported receiving a screening recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: A need exists for continued efforts to educate the public about CRC and the important role of screening in preventing this disease. Practice-based strategies to systematically prompt health care providers to discuss CRC screening with eligible patients also are required.     

Facility-level factors influencing chronic heart failure care process performance in a national integrated health delivery system

BACKGROUND: Gaps between evidence and practice in the care of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in the United States suggest major opportunities for improvement. However, the organizational factors and implementation approaches that influence adherence to national guidelines are poorly understood. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to explore the degree to which providers in the Veterans Health Administration system adhere to CHF clinical practice guidelines, and to identify facility-level factors influencing adherence. DESIGN: In a national cross-sectional study, facility quality managers were surveyed regarding quality improvement efforts, guideline implementation, and context. These data were linked to organizational structure data and provider adherence data from chart reviews. The unit of analysis was the facility. The data were adjusted for the average number of comorbidities per CHF patient. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to model factors affecting adherence to CHF guidelines. SAMPLE: The sample consisted of 143 Veterans Administration Medical Centers with ambulatory care clinics. RESULTS: The quality manager survey included data from 91% of facilities. Facility-level estimates of provider adherence measures were, on average, 85% or more for most measures. In multivariate analyses, facilities with higher levels of adherence were more likely to have: (1) providers who had been given a brief guideline summary, (2) providers receptive to the guidelines, (3) guideline-specific task forces to support implementation, and 4) a well-planned implementation process. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare organizations should adapt implementation to meet local conditions, including creating guideline-specific task forces, developing a well-planned implementation process, fostering provider buy-in, and providing guideline summaries to providers.     

Provider-perceived barriers and facilitators for ischaemic heart disease (IHD) guideline adherence

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Clinical practice guidelines have become a standard way of implementing evidence-based practice, yet research has shown that clinicians do not always follow guidelines. METHOD: As part of a larger study to test the effects of an intervention on provider adherence to ischaemic heart disease (IHD) guidelines, we conducted five focus groups at three Veterans Administration Medical Centers with 32 primary care providers, cardiologists, and internists to identify key barriers and facilitators to adherence of the guidelines. Using content analysis, responses were grouped into categories. RESULTS: The main perceived advantages of using the IHD guidelines were improvements in quality and the cost of care. Perceived barriers were the lack of ability of guidelines to manage the care of any one individual patient, the difficulty of accessing guidelines, and high workloads with many complex patients. While providers agreed on the benefits of aspirin, beta-blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, barriers for use of these medications were lack of consensus about contraindications, difficulty in providing follow-up during medication titration, and lack of patient adherence. Sources of influence for guideline use were: professional cardiology organizations, colleagues, mainly cardiologists, and key cardiology journals. However, most providers acknowledged that following guidelines was a personal practice decision. CONCLUSIONS: While results validated the influences of using clinical practice guidelines, our results highlight the importance of ascertaining guideline-specific barriers for building effective interventions to improve provider adherence. An advisory panel reviewed results and, using a modified nominal group process, chose implementation strategies targeting key barriers.     

Provider adherence to COPD guidelines: relationship to organizational factors

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: A clinical practice guideline for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was implemented in all Veterans Health Administration (VHA) hospitals in the US. The aim of the current analyses is to describe current adherence rates and the organizational factors related to provider adherence to the COPD guideline. METHODS: We administered a survey to key informants that assessed adherence to the COPD guideline, approaches to disseminating and implementing the COPD guideline, providers' views of the COPD guideline and guidelines in general, and attitudes about the organizational climate. RESULTS: Surveys were returned by 242 key informants (58%) at 130 of the 143 VHA hospitals (91%). Adherence to the COPD clinical practice guideline is perceived by quality managers within the VHA to be good. The final multivariable predictor model identified five measures that were related to provider adherence with the COPD guideline (R(2) = 0.43): responsibilities were changed to support adherence to the COPD guideline, physicians believe that guidelines implemented in the past year were applicable to their practice, patient care providers consistently participate in activities to improve the quality of care, the regional network office monitors the pace at which guidelines are implemented, and there is a system to provide feedback on routinely collected guideline adherence data collected in addition to External Peer Review Program data. CONCLUSIONS: Organizations can play an important role in providing a supportive climate to facilitate their providers' adherence to guidelines by implementing processes and culture changes that involve these five measures.     

Physician process and patient outcome measures for diabetes care: relationships to organizational characteristics

BACKGROUND: Optimal diabetes management relies on providers adhering to evidence-based practice guidelines in the processes of care delivery and patients adhering to self-management recommendations to maximize patient outcomes. PURPOSE: To explore: (1) the degree to which providers adhere to the guidelines; (2) the extent of glycemic, lipid, and blood pressure control in patients with diabetes; and (3) the roles of organizational and patient population characteristics in affecting both provider adherence and patient outcome measures for diabetes. DESIGN: Secondary data analysis of provider adherence and patient outcome measures from chart reviews, along with surveys of facility quality managers. SAMPLE: We sampled 109 Veterans Affairs medical centers (VAMCs). RESULTS: Analyses indicated that provider adherence to diabetes guidelines (ie, hemoglobin A1c, foot, eye, renal, and lipid screens) and patient outcome measures (ie, glycemic, lipid, and hypertension control plus nonsmoking status) are comparable or better in VAMCs than reported elsewhere. VAMCs with higher levels of provider adherence to diabetes guidelines had distinguishing organizational characteristics, including more frequent feedback on diabetes quality of care, designation of a guideline champion, timely implementation of quality-of-care changes, and greater acceptance of guideline applicability. VAMCs with better patient outcome measures for diabetes had more effective communication between physicians and nurses, used educational programs and Grand Rounds presentations to implement the diabetes guidelines, and had an overall patient population that was older and with a smaller percentage of black patients. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare organizations can adopt many of the identified organizational characteristics to enhance the delivery of care in their settings.     

The utility of administrative data for measuring adherence to cancer surveillance care guidelines

BACKGROUND: Adherence to professional society guidelines for follow-up or surveillance care in cancer survivors usually is measured with medical record review. Administrative data represent an alternative approach that may encompass larger numbers of patients with relatively low incremental costs. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the feasibility of using claims data to measure guideline adherence. METHODS: By reviewing paper and electronic medical records and claims data of 429 patients with 1 of 5 common cancers who received treatment with curative intent, we compared specific procedure receipt as well as guideline adherence classification as derived from claims and medical record data. Concordance was measured via kappa statistics. MEASURES: Care in the initial 18-month follow-up period was characterized as less than recommended, recommended, or greater than recommended per practice guidelines in both medical record and administrative data. RESULTS: Matching rates for individual procedures varied and were generally highest for certain laboratory tests and lowest for physical examinations. There were generally good-to-excellent levels of agreement (kappa=0.34-0.96) between a patient's classification in claims data and medical record data. No consistent differences in agreement were observed according to insurance type. CONCLUSIONS: In general, claims data capturing procedures and visit use for characterizing guideline adherence was comparable with what was documented in the medical record and suggests that if validated in other settings, administrative data could be used to describe patterns of follow up care.     

Who’s in charge? Challenges in evaluating quality of primary care treatment for low back pain

Rationale and objectives Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition with frequent health care visits and work disability. Quality improvement efforts in primary care focused on guidelines adherence, provider selection and education, and feedback on appropriateness of care. Such efforts can only succeed if a health care provider is in charge of care over a substantial period. This study was conducted to provide insights about actual patterns of provider involvement in LBP care and implications for quality evaluation. Methods Established primary care patients with occupational LBP and health care covered by a workers’ compensation insurer were selected. Primary care physician (PCP) involvement was examined relative to overall health care utilization. Four methods of classifying PCP involvement were used to assess the association between PCP involvement and health care and work disability outcomes over a 2‐year follow‐up period. Results Primary care physician was rarely the sole provider during episodes of occupational LBP. PCP was the initial non‐emergency room provider in 55% of cases, and was the most prevalent provider during at least one episode of care in 45% of cases. Different methods of classification led to different conclusions about the association between PCP involvement and work disability or number of health care visits. Multiple providers were involved throughout the clinical course of the small number of cases that accounted for most of the health care visits and work disability; in these cases, the role of PCP in care was difficult to determine. Conclusions Administrative data alone are adequate for provider comparisons only in relatively simple cases. Provider comparisons based on initial treating provider likely overstate the importance of early care, particularly in more complex cases. For LBP, quality improvement models based on PCP‐directed interventions or reinforcing guideline adherence may not impact outcomes. A patient‐centred model may be necessary to achieve outcome improvements.     

结直肠癌手术切除后患者的结肠镜检查

目的：通过对结直肠癌手术切除后患者行肠镜检查情况的分析,探讨结肠镜检查在结直肠癌患者术后随访中的应用价值。方法：回顾性分析2009年1年间结直肠癌术后行肠镜检查患者863例的临床资料。结果：由于术后粘连、肠腔狭窄和肠道准备差等原因,45例未完成结肠镜检查。结直肠癌术后局部复发23例（2.7%）,异时性癌症8例（0.9%）;结直肠息肉检出率：肿瘤性息肉为29.2%,非肿瘤性息肉为23.1%。结论：结直肠癌术后3~6个月以及1年内肠镜检查是早期发现结直肠癌局部复发和异时性病灶的重要措施。     

Improving adherence and reducing medication discrepancies in patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To improve medication adherence by reducing self-reported adherence barriers, and to identify medication discrepancies by comparing physician-prescribed and patient-reported medical regimens. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A single academically affiliated community health center. Eligible patients had type 2 diabetes, had undergone laboratory testing in the year preceding the study, and had visited the clinic in the 6 months preceding the study. INTERVENTION: A pharmacist administered detailed questionnaires, provided tailored education regarding medication use and help with appointment referrals, and created a summary of adherence barriers and medication discrepancies that was entered into the medical record and electronically forwarded to the primary care provider. MEASUREMENTS: Changes in self-reported adherence rates and barriers were compared 3 months after the initial interview. Intervention patients with medication discrepancies at baseline were assessed for resolution of discrepancies at 3 months. RESULTS: Rates of self-reported medication adherence were very high and did not improve further at 3 months (6.9 of 7 d, with all medicines taken as prescribed; p = 0.3). Medical regimen discrepancies were identified in 44% of intervention patients, involving 45 doses of medicines. At 3-month follow-up, 60% of discrepancies were resolved by corrections in the medical record, while only 7% reflected corrections by patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this community cohort, patients reported few adherence barriers and very high medication adherence rates. Our patient-tailored intervention did not further reduce these barriers or improve self-reported adherence. The high prevalence of medication discrepancies appeared to mostly reflect inaccuracies in the medical record rather than patient errors.     

Substance Use Disorder Treatment via Telemedicine During Coronavirus Disease 2019

Telemedicine has been effective at bridging the gap among patients, providers, and health systems. Authors from a large academic medical center in Baltimore, MD, anecdotally found that digital tools were beneficial in supporting substance use disorder recovery during a global pandemic. Audiovisual tools like Zoom (Zoom Video Communications, Inc, San Jose, CA) and Doximity (Doximity, Inc, San Francisco, CA), as well as increased frequency of communication with patients, have been most helpful to supporting recovery. The barriers noted were related to patient privacy and increased tendency of patients to avoid treatment, similar barriers as when treatment is provided in the clinic. The intent of this narrative is to discuss provider perspectives of benefits and barriers to telemedicine for substance use disorder treatment during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.     

Vitality predicts level of guideline-concordant care in routine treatment of mood, anxiety and somatoform disorders

Objective To examine the clinical and psychosocial correlates of adherence to treatment guidelines among outpatients with common mental disorders in a routine clinical setting. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we analysed 192 patients who were treated for a mood, anxiety or somatoform disorder with pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy or a combination of both treatment modalities. Guideline adherence was assessed with a disorder independent set of quality indicators during up to 3 years of follow‐up. At baseline, a standardized diagnostic interview, the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) and demographic variables were assessed. Using multivariable regression analysis we identified independent predictors associated with guideline adherence. Results Patients were aged 36.8 years (SD 11.6) on average. The majority of patients were treated with psychotherapy (47.4%), followed by pharmacotherapy (37.5%) and a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy (15.1%). Three adherence groups were defined: low (29.7%), intermediate (43.2%) and high (27.1%). Univariate predictors of low adherence were low scores on the subscales vitality and social functioning of the SF‐36. In the multivariable model, low adherence was independently predicted by a score lower than 50 on the subscale vitality of the SF‐36 (odds ratio per 10 units increase in vitality = 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.71). No significant differences were found within socio‐demographic variables, co‐morbidity and the scores on the BSI subscales between the adherence groups. Conclusions We found that patients with low scores on the vitality subscale of the SF‐36 were at the highest risk to receive low guideline‐concordant care. Understanding factors that affect treatment adherence may help to prevent non‐adherence and increase the quality of care as well as cost‐effectiveness.     

Impact of population management with direct physician feedback on care of patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE: Population-level strategies may improve primary care for diabetes. We designed a controlled study to assess the impact of population management versus usual care on metabolic risk factor testing and management in patients with type 2 diabetes. We also identified potential patient-related barriers to effective diabetes management. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We used novel clinical software to rank 910 patients in a diabetes registry at a single primary care clinic and thereby identify the 149 patients with the highest HbA(1c) and cholesterol levels. After review of the medical records of these 149 patients, evidence-based guideline recommendations regarding metabolic testing and management were sent via e-mail to each intervention patient's primary care provider (PCP). Over a 3-month follow-up period, we assessed changes in the evidence-based management of intervention patients compared with a matched cohort of control patients receiving usual care at a second primary care clinic affiliated with the same academic medical center. RESULTS: In the intervention cohort, PCPs followed testing recommendations more often (78%) than therapeutic change recommendations (36%, P = 0.001). Compared with the usual care control cohort, population management resulted in a greater overall proportion of evidence-based guideline practices being followed (59 vs. 45%, P = 0.02). Most intervention patients (62%) had potential barriers to effective care, including depression (35%), substance abuse (26%), and prior nonadherence to care plans (18%). CONCLUSIONS: Population management with clinical recommendations sent to PCPs had a modest but statistically significant impact on the evidence-based management of diabetes compared with usual care. Depression and substance abuse are prevalent patient-level adherence barriers in patients with poor metabolic control.     

Long-term adherence to a local guideline on postoperative body temperature measurement: mixed methods analysis

Aim To find out whether a successful multifaceted implementation approach of a local evidence‐based guideline on postoperative body temperature measurements (BTM) was persistent over time, and which factors influenced long‐term adherence. Methods Mixed methods analysis. Patient records were retrospectively examined to measure guideline adherence. Data on influencing factors were collected in focus group meetings for nurses and a plenary meeting with an interactive questionnaire for doctors. Results Records from 102 surgical patients were studied, totalling 1226 BTM. According to the guideline, an indication for BTM was present in 55% (679/1226). Actually, BTM were taken in 60% (736/1226), of which 55% (403/736) was in accordance with the guideline. The overall adherence rate to the guideline was 50% (617/1226). Belief in the advantages of the guideline and strong staff support appeared to facilitate long‐term adherence. Barriers were, the controversial nature of the guideline, the lack of self‐efficacy among nurses and doctors as to clinical judgement to identify an infection when refraining from BTM, and a lack of management and staff doctor support. Furthermore, newly appointed nurses and doctors were trained to measure BTM during their initial medical or nursing education, which was in contradiction with the guideline. Conclusions A multifaceted implementation strategy is not sufficient to maintain long‐term adherence. To ensure long‐term adherence, especially of controversial guidelines, adherence should be monitored and reported regularly over time. Strong staff support and leadership on all wards is crucial to maintain awareness. Medical and nursing curricula should include the pros and cons of taking BTM, combined with enhancing self‐efficacy.     

Eliciting accurate reports of adherence in a clinical interview: development of the Medical Adherence Measure

Nonadherence is a major public health concern but reliable assessment methods are limited. The Medical Adherence Measure (MAM) was designed as a semi-structured clinical interview to elicit comprehensive and accurate responses from patients regarding adherence during the course of standard clinical care. The measure was developed in three phases and administered to 219 pediatric patients (ages 1.3-23) and/or their parents to assess the content, clinical utility, and ease of use. The MAM has three general regimen domains (medication, diet, clinic attendance) and several treatment specific modules. Items assess knowledge of the prescribed regimen, self-reported adherence, organizational system used to manage the regimen, and perceived barriers to optimal management. The MAM is a screening tool that assists providers in identifying patients at risk for adherence problems, assessing the extent of nonadherence, and targeting specific barriers to care in interventions. The interview emphasizes a supportive patient-provider relationship with the goal of improving patient care.     

Medication adherence and persistence: A comprehensive review

Estimates of adherence to long-term medication regimens range from 17% to 80%, and nonadherence (or nonpersistence) can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Multifaceted interventions that target specific barriers to adherence are most effective, because they address the problems and reinforce positive behaviors. Providers must assess their patients’ understanding of the illness and its treatment, communicate the benefits of the treatment, assess their patients’ readiness to carry out the treatment plan, and discuss any barriers or obstacles to adherence that patients may have. A positive, supporting, and trusting relationship between patient and provider improves adherence. Individual patient factors also affect adherence. For example, conditions that impair cognition have a negative impact on adherence. Other factors—such as the lack of a support network, limited English proficiency, inability to obtain and pay for medications, or severe adverse effects or the fear of such effects—are all barriers to adherence. There are multiple reasons for nonadherence or nonpersistence; the solution needs to be tailored to the individual patient’s needs. To have an impact on adherence, healthcare providers must understand the barriers to adherence and the methods or tools needed to overcome them. This report describes the barriers to medication adherence and persistence and interventions that have been used to address them; it also identifies interventions and compliance aids that practitioners and organizations can implement.     

Intravenous bisphosphonates for post-menopausal osteoporosis: adherence to a network guideline

What is known and Objective: An evidence‐based guideline on the use of intravenous (i.v.) bisphosphonates in post‐menopausal osteoporosis was developed across a healthcare system and approved by clinical experts and Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees. The objective of the study was to evaluate adherence to the guideline at hospitals in the healthcare system. Methods: Post‐menopausal women who received i.v. zoledronic acid or i.v. ibandronate for osteoporosis between September 2007 and October 2008 were identified through a data repository that provides patient‐level longitudinal information on diagnoses, medications and laboratory tests. Manual review of electronic medical records supplemented the data capture. The guideline recommends use of i.v. bisphosphonates in patients: (i) who have had a recent vertebral or hip fracture; (ii) who cannot stand or sit upright for 30–60 min; (iii) who have oesophageal dysmotility or varices; (iv) who have documented adherence issues or, (v) who failed to tolerate oral bisphosphonates after 12 months. In addition, specific monitoring tests are recommended prior to administration. Results and Discussion: Among the 220 women that received an i.v. bisphosphonate (hospitals A/B: n = 92 vs. hospital C: n = 128), 72% met the criteria for use. The results were similar when examined by institution (hospitals A/B 66% vs. hospital C 77%; P = 0·094). On review of the electronic medical records, an additional reason for using i.v. bisphosphonates was identified: persistent bone loss despite oral bisphosphonate therapy. When this criterion for use was included, the adherence rate increased to 80% (hospitals A/B 72% vs. hospital C 86%; P = 0·009). Serum calcium and 25‐OH vitamin D were performed in 75% (hospitals A/B 77% vs. hospital C 73%; P = 0·53), and 86% (hospitals A/B 84% vs. hospital C 87%; P = 0·53) of patients respectively. What is new and Conclusion: Adherence to an i.v. bisphosphonates evidence‐based guideline was adequate (defined as at least 80%) although room for improvement in meeting the criteria for use at one hospital and for conducting baseline serum calcium levels was noted. A future project is warranted to re‐assesses adherence after the measures to improve guideline adherence are implemented.     

Georgia prenatal care providers' perceptions of barriers to sexually transmitted disease screening

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening during pregnancy is not optimal. No published studies have systematically examined barriers that hinder routine STD screening. This study examines prenatal care providers' perceptions about barriers to routine STD screening of pregnant women. METHODS: Using a conceptual framework, four a priori barrier categories were developed: provider, patient, organizational, and structural. Responses to a question on barriers to STD screening in a 1998 mail survey of Georgia prenatal care providers were qualitatively classified into one of these categories. RESULTS: Of the 293 providers who responded, 71% identified structural barriers, with 52% citing inadequate reimbursement. These respondents were most likely to name barriers categorized as structural, not patient, provider, or organization issues. CONCLUSION: Efforts to improve STD screening of pregnant women should include a focus on structural level interventions, such as instituting health care policies that provide adequate reimbursement for routine STD screening during pregnancy.     

Management guideline in haemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures: Outcomes and challenges

Clinical practice guidelines for haemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures were initiated in February 2005 at our level 1 trauma centre. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate guideline adherence and outcome of guideline performance. In a retrospective clinical study all patients admitted with a pelvic fracture from August 2003 to March 2007 were identified from a prospective trauma registry database. Medical records of all patients were reviewed. Patients with pelvic fractures associated with haemodynamic instability were included. Patients were divided into two groups: preguideline and postguideline. The two groups were compared. Main outcome measurements were 24 h fluid requirement, total blood transfusion, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and mortality rate. Of the 210 patients with pelvic fractures, 32 patients met the inclusion criteria. Preguideline group consisted of 13 and postguideline group 19 patients. Non‐invasive pelvic stabilization was applied significantly more postguideline (92.3% vs 33.3%, P= 0.004). Focused abdominal sonography for trauma and pelvic angiography/embolization have been used significantly more in the postguideline group (5 vs 14, P= 0.046 and 0 vs 6, P= 0.025, respectively). There was no significant difference in 24 h fluid requirement, total blood transfusion, length of stay in ICU and hospital, and mortality rate between the two groups. The introduction of guidelines has influenced the approach to haemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures. Multiple factors can potentially influence the strict adherence to the guideline. Care provided can still be improved by addressing the challenges in guideline performance.