Laura A Schad1, Laura A Brady2, Laurene M Tumiel-Berhalter2,3, Alexandrea Bentham2, Karen Vitale4, Amanda Norton5, Gary Noronha6, Carlos Swanger6,7, Christopher P Morley1. 1. Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, State University of New York (SUNY) Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY. 2. Department of Family Medicine, SUNY University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY. 3. University at Buffalo Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Buffalo, NY. 4. University of Rochester, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Rochester, NY. 5. A. Mandatory, Inc. (consulting for SUNY Upstate Medical University), Groton, NY. 6. Center for Primary Care, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY. 7. Health Reach for the Homeless, Rochester Regional Health, Rochester, NY.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Three New York State practice-based research networks provided quality improvement strategies to improve screening rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal (BCC) cancers in safety-net primary care, over 7 years. In the final year (Y7), the United States experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BCC cancer screening rates was assessed qualitatively. METHODS: A total of 12 primary care practices participated in Y7 of the quality improvement project. BCC cancer screening rates at year beginning and end were assessed. Practice staff were asked about how COVID-19 impacted screening. Average pre/postintervention screening rates and qualitative thematic analysis regarding how COVID-19 impacted cancer screening were ascertained. RESULTS: In Y7, there was an increase in breast cancer and a decrease in colorectal and cervical cancer screening rates compared to the previous project year. Many practices were able to continue pre-COVID-19 cancer screening processes. Overall, practices reported loss of staff, changes in data entry, and a shift from preventive screening to care of sick patients. Telehealth was vital for practices to continue serving patients but had a less positive impact on patients with financial/technological disadvantages. BCC cancer screenings were impacted at various levels. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted primary care practice cancer screening; however, some practices were able to mitigate effects by shifting focus to processes supporting screening outside of in-person office visits.
PURPOSE: Three New York State practice-based research networks provided quality improvement strategies to improve screening rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal (BCC) cancers in safety-net primary care, over 7 years. In the final year (Y7), the United States experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on BCC cancer screening rates was assessed qualitatively. METHODS: A total of 12 primary care practices participated in Y7 of the quality improvement project. BCC cancer screening rates at year beginning and end were assessed. Practice staff were asked about how COVID-19 impacted screening. Average pre/postintervention screening rates and qualitative thematic analysis regarding how COVID-19 impacted cancer screening were ascertained. RESULTS: In Y7, there was an increase in breast cancer and a decrease in colorectal and cervical cancer screening rates compared to the previous project year. Many practices were able to continue pre-COVID-19 cancer screening processes. Overall, practices reported loss of staff, changes in data entry, and a shift from preventive screening to care of sick patients. Telehealth was vital for practices to continue serving patients but had a less positive impact on patients with financial/technological disadvantages. BCC cancer screenings were impacted at various levels. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted primary care practice cancer screening; however, some practices were able to mitigate effects by shifting focus to processes supporting screening outside of in-person office visits.
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