Effect of a polyp tracking and notification program on colon adenoma surveillance and compliance to guideline recommendations

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer in the United States. Surveillance colonoscopy has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer risk. Medical institutions have implemented polyp tracking and notification programs (registries) to ensure adequate surveillance. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of a registry notification program initiated in January 2006 on the surveillance colonoscopy completion rate and adherence to surveillance guidelines. Methods: Retrospective record review of beneficiaries with an adenomatous polyp between 2004 and 2007, with expected repeat surveillance colonoscopy between 2007 and 2012. Records were divided in 2 groups: Pre- Registry (4/04–12/05) and Registry (1/06–6/07). Successful surveillance was defined as beneficiaries who completed or were offered a colonoscopy within 12 months after the recommended interval. Results: A total of 853 beneficiary records were reviewed, with 88 records excluded. Pre-Registry mean age was 60.1 years and %male gender was 63.5%, compared to Registry mean age of 60.9 years and %male gender of 58.4%. Significantly more beneficiaries completed or were offered colonoscopy surveillance in the Registry group, compared to the Pre-Registry group, (85.1% vs. 43.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The use of a polyp tracking registry and notification program improves adherence to current polyp surveillance guidelines.