Improving colon cancer screening in community clinics.

Background: The authors evaluated the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of 2 interventions designed to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in safety-net settings.

Methods: A 3-arm, quasi-experimental evaluation was conducted among 8 clinics in Louisiana. Screening efforts included: 1) enhanced usual care, 2) literacy-informed education of patients, and 3) education plus nurse support.

Contrasts in rural and urban barriers to colorectal cancer screening.

Objectives: To contrast barriers to colon cancer (CRC) screening and Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) completion between rural and urban safety-net patients.

Methods: Interviews were administered to 972 patients who were not up-to-date with screening.

Results: Rural patients were more likely to believe it was helpful to find CRC early (89.

Diabetes Implementation of a Self-management Program in Resource Poor and Rural Community Clinics.

Purpose: To evaluate the implementation of a brief diabetes self-management support intervention designed for resource-poor community clinics.

Methods: The authors conducted a pilot study among patients with type 2 diabetes in 3 community clinics. The intervention consisted of research assistants introducing and reviewing a diabetes self-management guide, helping patients set an achievable behavioral action plan, and following up with 2 telephone sessions.

Literacy barriers to colorectal cancer screening in community clinics.

This article examines the relationship between literacy and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening knowledge, beliefs, and experiences, with a focus on fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs). Participants were 975 patients in 8 Louisiana federally qualified health centers. Participants were 50 years of age or older and not up to date with CRC screening; approximately half (52%) had low literacy (less than a 9th-grade level).

FOBT completion in FQHCs: impact of physician recommendation, FOBT information, or receipt of the FOBT kit.

Purpose: To determine the effect of common components of primary care-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening interventions on fecal occult blood test (FOBT) completion within rural and urban community clinics, including: (1) physician's spoken recommendation, (2) providing information or education about FOBTs, and (3) physician providing the FOBT kit; to determine the relative effect of these interventions; and to compare the effect of each intervention between rural and urban clinics.

Methods: We conducted structured interviews with patients aged 50 years and over receiving care at community clinics that were noncompliant with CRC screening. Self-report of ever receiving a physician's recommendation for screening, FOBT information or education, physician providing an FOBT kit, and FOBT completion were collected.

Differences in barriers to mammography between rural and urban women.

Background: Few studies have examined differences between rural and urban women in mammography barriers, knowledge, and experiences. Exploring differences can help inform tailored interventions.

Methods: Women, aged ≥40, who had not been screened in the past 2 years were recruited from eight federally qualified health centers across Louisiana.

Use of a visual aid to improve counseling at the threshold of viability.

Objectives: To pilot-test a visual aid developed to help counsel pregnant women.

Methods: After agreeing to participate, pregnant women at >28 weeks of gestation were assigned randomly to counseling with or without a visual aid. The visual aid contained pictures, graphics, and short messages about delivery room resuscitation, chances of survival, anticipated neonatal course, and long-term neurodevelopmental disabilities.