An Enterprise Approach to Colorectal Cancer Screening

Authors

Matthew Safern, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow

Document Type

Presentation

Presentation Date

11-15-2024

Comments

Presentation: 57:33

Abstract

Jefferson Health is taking a multi-faceted approach to managing colon cancer screening and addressing health equity across its diverse patient populations. Leaders within the health system recognize regional and demographic challenges and tailor multiple strategies rather than a uniform solution. Collaboration amongst leaders and engagement with clinicians around shared, data-driven goals leads to improved outcomes like enhanced colorectal cancer screening rates. Jefferson is seeing improved quality measures, such as colorectal cancer screening rates in primary care, for some of its practices that received monthly performance feedback. Clinician compensation plans encourage improved screening rates by achieving data-driven quality goals. This multi-dimensional approach illustrates an organization’s commitment to setting realistic, regularly tracked targets that help to drive clinical improvement.

The health system also implemented initiatives to expand access to stool-based testing and colonoscopies for colorectal cancer screening. Programs like the Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC) Weekends streamline patient access and reduce barriers to colonoscopies for patients in need. Success stories, like the Jefferson New Jersey Cologuard program, displayed the organization’s ability to partner with outside vendors to quickly scale effective practices and expand to other divisions within the extensive health system. These initiatives underscore a commitment to health equity just as internal experts acknowledge that future healthcare contracts may incentivize the hospital to address social determinants of health (SDOH) alongside standard colon cancer screening metrics.

As Jefferson continues to expand its reach, including most recently in its 2024 merger with Lehigh Valley Health Network, its employee population grows dramatically. As a care provider, an insurer, and an employer, Jefferson understands the impact cancer screening can have on the quality of care for individuals, populations, and costs. A new group within the Jefferson Medical Group (JMG) is looking at ways to improve care coordination and efficiency of the employee health plan. Jefferson plans to extend a colon cancer screening program to its employee population through a coordinated partnership with internal and external stakeholders.

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Language

English