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Beckman
Coulter, Inc. can Help You Increase Patient Compliance |
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Increasing
Patient Compliance |
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Early detection can be achieved through annual screening
using Hemoccult® FOBT patient screening
kits. A key factor to a successful screening program
is making sure patients comply and perform the test
when requested by a healthcare professional.
Studies have shown that within
motivated patient populations, compliance rates have
been as high as 75%.1 Patients who understand
the nature of the disease are more likely to believe
they may be at risk and more likely to participate
in screening.
Good communication between health
care providers and patients, and effective use of
educational materials can make a significant difference
in patient participation and satisfaction with screening.2,3
That is why we are committed
to providing free education tools that help patients
understand the disease of colorectal cancer and the
importance of annual screening.
We have developed a variety
of patient and staff educational materials (many available
in English and Spanish) including a "Screening
Saves Lives" video, an anatomical wall chart
depicting the colon, and a flyer containing tips for
increasing patient compliance.
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Quick
Tips to Increase Patient Compliance
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Educate
patients on colorectal cancer (CRC), explain
the lifetime risks for contracting the
disease, and show them how it can be prevented
through early detection.
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Train nurses,
nurse practitioners, physician assistants,
and other support staff on CRC screening,
when it should be done, and how often
patients need to be reminded.
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Create a
reminder system whereby members of your
staff place a follow up call with patients
if the test has not been returned after
two weeks.
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Request
that patients sign a release form indicating
that they have received the test kit and
agree to complete and return it by mail
or in person. The form allows patients
to understand that their physician cannot
do their job without their help.
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Affix a
postage stamp and sticker with your return
address on the special mailing pouch.
This will make it easier for the patient
to return the test.
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Inform patients
of the risks, benefits, and supporting
evidence of each type of colorectal cancer
(CRC) screening technique (FOBT, Flex
Sig., Colonoscopy, Barium Enema) and let
him or her decide which procedure is best. |
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Footnotes: |
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1. Paaso, B.T., "Community-based
colorectal cancer screening," Point of
Care. 1(1):20-27, 2002.
2. Bond, J.H., and Burt, R.W., "How to
increase colorectal screening rates," Patient
Care. February 15, 2002, pp 32-39.
3. Ling, B.S., et al., "Attitudes toward
colorectal cancer screening tests. A survey
of patient and physicians," Journal of
General Internal Medicine. 16:822-830, 2001.
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