Gastroenterology Lab

Project Description

Harris Health’s existing gastroenterology labs are at maximum capacity, and Harris Health maintains a significant number of patients waiting for colonoscopy procedures at any given time. Delays in diagnosis can result in poor outcomes of an otherwise treatable cancer. Ultimately, it is the goal of Harris Health to reduce the number of colorectal cancer diagnoses through prevention, and to reduce the severity of colorectal cancer diagnoses. Colorectal cancer disproportionately affects the Black community, as they are approximately 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other groups. Further, there are cultural barriers that make it less likely for Black communities to get screened for colorectal cancer. This program now allows Harris Health to open an outpatient gastroenterology lab at Quentin Mease Health Center and create additional capacity for colonoscopy procedures. The new lab will increase availability of appointments and will be located directly on a bus route, making access easier and minimizing transportation burdens for those patients without a personal vehicle.

PRIMARY PARTNERSHIPS

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Eligible patients are contacted by Harris Health staff based on the clinically prioritized wait list. Harris Health staff then schedule the procedure with that patient, provide education on the required prep, and answer any questions related to the procedure. Staff also follow up with patients that do not show for the initially scheduled procedure and attempt to remove barriers and/or provide additional education that reinforces the importance of colorectal screening in vulnerable populations.

TARGET IMPACT

The target population is low-income residents of Harris County that are due or overdue for a colonoscopy based on established clinical criteria. Harris Health’s ultimate goal is to eliminate the existing backlog and to provide timely colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis for our patient population.

Primary metrics tracked include:

  • Number of procedures completed
  • Percent decrease in outsourced gastroenterology procedures

USE OF EVIDENCE & PROGRAM EVALUATIONS

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, elective surgeries and procedures in Harris Health were postponed, canceled, or, at the very least, limited. Healthcare workers were redirected to critical areas to meet the increased need in the Emergency Department and ICU. Patients were also not amenable to going into a healthcare facility for fear of contracting COVID-19. There was also the additional requirement of having a COVID test prior to any procedure. The combination of these challenges decreased the number of colonoscopies performed, increased the number of patients on the waitlist, and decreased the number of referrals for colonoscopy procedures by primary care physicians. These issues were exacerbated in vulnerable populations such as those served by Harris Health System. As the peak of COVID-19 has passed, the challenge to catch up with the increasing number of patients on the colonoscopy waitlist still persists. The target population will be low-income residents of Harris County who are due or overdue for a colonoscopy based on established clinical criteria. Harris Health’s ultimate goal is to eliminate the existing backlog and to provide timely colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis for our patient population.

PHOTOS