Improving colonoscopy referral rates through computer-supported, primary care practice redesign.

This quality improvement project was designed to improve rates of referral for colonoscopy screening in the Utah Health Research Network, University of Utah Community Clinics. This study was conducted between October 2004 and June 2007 with the main intervention being a clinic workflow modification using computerized screening reminders embedded in the electronic medical record (EMR). The intervention led to sustained improvement, largely driven by the performance of two network clinics. This study demonstrates that a robust EMR, with decision prompts, accompanied by clinic workflow changes and feedback to providers, can lead to sustained change in the rates of colonoscopy referral.