Presence Health uses automated IVR calls to increase colorectal cancer screening rates

Presence Health, the largest Catholic health system based in Illinois, significantly increased screening rates for colorectal cancer by utilizing automated, interactive voice response (IVR) calls, according to research being presented on Dec. 10 at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) 25^th Annual National Forum on Quality Improvement in Health Care. The outcomes of the study will be presented as part of the 2013 Storyboard Display at the IHI Forum, taking place Dec. 8-11 in Orlando.

Presence Health teamed up with Emmi Solutions, a leader in outcomes-driven patient engagement, to manage the IVR campaign.

"We're using Emmi's patient engagement technology to inform and encourage patients to become more active participants in their care, exchange information, validate understanding and share concerns," said Richard Ferrans, MD, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Presence Health Partners.

Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Screening has allowed more colorectal cancers to be found earlier when the disease is easier to cure. However, less than half of American men and women over the age of 50 are getting colorectal cancer screening tests as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

"Our interactive voice response calls are timely and tailored messages to engage and motivate patients, and in this case, help drive preventive action," said Devin Gross, CEO of Emmi Solutions. "When a patient is fully engaged in their prevention, decision-making and self-management activities, their outcomes improve."

Greater engagement leads to increased screenings

Presence Health targeted 1,284 patients over the age of 50 who had not had a colorectal cancer screening. Over 25 days, these patients received IVR calls that encouraged them to schedule time with their provider to discuss colorectal cancer screenings.

The outreach made a significant difference in patients who previously had not scheduled this important preventive screening. Of the 31% of patients who were reached, 28% of them were transferred to their physicians' offices to schedule a potentially life-saving colorectal cancer screening.

This investment by payers has the potential to not only save lives, but also significantly decrease overall healthcare costs through effective population health management.

The Storyboard Display will be open for viewing and questions from 4:30-6:30 pm EST on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Workshop to focus on health information innovations

Also during the IHI Forum, Presence Health's CMO, Dr. Ferrans, along with Emmi Solutions Founder, Jordan Dolin, will be part of a Rapid Fire Workshop that will discuss innovations in health information technology. The workshop will take place from 9:30-10:45 am EST on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

SOURCE Emmi Solutions, LLC