Use of electronic health record-based tools to improve appropriate use of the human papillomavirus test in adult women Journal Article

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Authors: Broach, V.; Day, L.; Barenberg, B.; Huang, S.; Kenton, K.; White, P
Article Title: Use of electronic health record-based tools to improve appropriate use of the human papillomavirus test in adult women
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine whether compliance with guidelines for cervical cancer screening, particularly use of the human papillomavirus (HPV) test in adult (aged >/=21 y) women, improves with the implementation of educational prompts in the electronic health record (EHR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two EHR-based interventions aimed at reducing unindicated HPV tests were implemented in the EHR in late June 2010. The Pap order form was revised with a descriptor next to the cotest (Pap plus HPV test) option advising that this is not for screening in women younger than 30 years, and a link to the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology Web site was made available on the EHR home page. Charts of adult women with HPV results from January to December 2010 were reviewed. Appropriateness of HPV test ordering before (period A: from January to June) and after (period B: from July to December) the interventions were compared using the chi(2) test of association. RESULTS: A total of 3,564 HPV tests were performed on adult women at Loyola University Medical Center in 2010. During period A, 1,709 tests were ordered compared with 1,855 tests ordered during period B (p = .014). The proportion of HPV tests without an appropriate indication decreased significantly after the EHR changes (20% for period A vs 13% for period B, p .0005). This significant decrease was seen in both primary care (22% in period A vs 12% in period B, p .0005) and obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) (19% vs 13%, p .0005). CONCLUSIONS: Electronic health record-based tools improve compliance with cervical cancer screening guidelines.
Journal Title: Journal of lower genital tract disease
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
ISSN: 1526-0976; 1089-2591
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: United States
Date Published: 2014
Start Page: 26
End Page: 30
Language: eng
DOI/URL:

10.1097/LGT.0b013e31828cde2a
Notes: JID: 9704963; ppublish