Enhancing Screening Practices for Barrett's Esophagus
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Summary
Previous studies have shown that screening for Barrett's esophagus (BE), the main risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, is under-utilized in the primary care setting. In fact less than 35% of eligible patients are screened despite endorsement for screening by the major GI societies in patients with risk factors. The purpose of this study is to examine current screening practices and determine if implementation of screening reminders can optimize screening practices for Barrett's Esophagus within a large, academic based healthcare system in NJ.
Description
Barrett's esophagus (BE) is a pre-malignant mucosal transformation of the distal esophageal mucosal lining whereby the metaplastic columnar epithelium replaces squamous epithelium of the esophagus. BE is the main risk factor to develop esophageal adenocarcinoma. The etiology of BE is complex and likely multifactorial, with several factors including gastrointestinal reflux (GERD), genetic factors, environmental triggers, immunoregulatory defects playing a role. It is well known that the transformation of cells lining the distal esophagus is due to chronic repeated insults by longstanding GERD.…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Have a scheduled appointment with a participating provider Exclusion Criteria: * Less than 18 years of age
Interventions
- OtherScreening Reminder
A reminder to screen this patient for Barrett's esophagus (BE) will be sent to the provider before the patient's scheduled appointment. The reminder will provide details about which criteria this patient meets in order to indicate that BE screening should be initiated.
Location
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolNew Brunswick, New Jersey