Pap Hub: A system to improve compliance with pap smear screening guidelines in a large health care system.

Abstract

193 Background: Cervical cancer is the most prevalent gynecologic cancer worldwide, but is third in the U.S. due to pap smear screening. However, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) guidelines are complex and frequently changed, resulting in guideline adherence as low as 33-44%. We describe a centralized pap smear tracking system (“pap hub”) and report preliminary results. Methods: On 1/1/13 we implemented the pap hub, routing all screening pap smear results to a dedicated OB/Gyn nursing staff with a new Epic workbench. Epic Health Maintenance Modifier updated to recommend pap smears for women age 21-65 years (not younger or older per guidelines). Screening Pap/HPV results auto routed to Pap Pool Epic inbasket (not to individual providers). Centralized nurse reviews results alongside past pap results on Pathology flowsheet in Epic If normal Normal history -> appropriate follow-up interval per screening guidelines If abnormal history -> repeat pap as determined by previous history and treatment If abnormal -> manage per ASCCP guidelines Document plan in Epic Result Note Update Epic problems list If Normal: document “Pap Hub Normal History” If Abnormal: document “Pap Hub Abnormal History” with specifics in Overview History Communicate results/plan to the patient. Update Health Maintenance Modifier with next step. Review abnormal results to ensure proper follow-up, with reminders as indicated. Results: Guideline recommendations against pap smears for patients <21 years and >65 years have not changed since 2009. Comparison of first-quarter data for 2010 (pre-Pap Hub) to 2013 (post-Pap Hub) have shown a 63.86% reduction in pap smears in women <21 years. Pap smears in women >65 years has always been low, but has decreased slightly from 2.4% of all pap smears in 2010 to 1.5% of all pap smears in 2013. The 2012 ASCCP guidelines have changed recommended pap smear frequency and abnormal pap smear follow-up, and compliance with these new recommendations is being collected. Conclusions: Pap smear screening has decreased the incidence of invasive cervical cancer in the United States. The Pap Hub, a centralized pap smear tracking system, improves compliance with pap smear screening guidelines.