Cancer Prevention & Control, Provider-Oriented Screening Interventions: Provider Assessment & Feedback (2008 Archived Review)

Research Gaps

The effectiveness of provider assessment and feedback in promoting screening mammography, Pap tests, and FOBTs has been established. However, several key research issues remain or are in need of further corroborative evidence. 

Effectiveness

• Are these interventions effective in increasing screening by more invasive methods, such as colorectal endoscopy or double-contrast barium enema?
• Can a single assessment and feedback program targeting all three cancer sites increase screening use for each site?
• Are some approaches more effective than others (e.g., group versus individual feedback)?

Applicability

• Does the magnitude of effect differ for (1) physicians in training versus trained physicians and (2) providers other than physicians?

Barriers to Implementation

• What is required to facilitate dissemination and implementation of provider assessment and feedback to healthcare system settings across the United States?

Economic Efficiency

• How are the costs and cost effectiveness of these interventions related to the structural characteristics of the settings of interventions? In particular, can HMOs address logistical problems (e.g., contacting providers and reducing administrative time) more readily than fee-for-service practices, thereby lowering costs and improving cost effectiveness?

Other Positive or Negative Effects

• What is the impact of interventions on non–cancer related healthcare delivery? For example, does the effect of these interventions spill over into improved delivery of other clinical services?