New developments, more data?
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Colon cancer is the third most common form of cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and more than 50,000 people die from the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, however, estimates that if everyone older than age 50 were screened regularly as many as 60 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented. Colon cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer with a 90 percent cure rate when detected early.
Just 60 percent of U.S. adults age 50 and older get the recommended screening, according to the American College of Physicians (ACP).
Some of the recent developments in this area could improve those statistics. For example, the ACP has attempted to up compliance, issuing a guideline urging adults to begin screening at age 50 in the March 6 issue of Annals of Internal Medicine.
Many of these developments will impact hospitals’ IT tools. More screenings mean more patient data, for example. Radiologists also need to adjust their thinking to keep up with the latest guidelines and tools. Radiology practices need to transition to a new model characterized by an information mindset with a greatly enhanced radiology product to be successful, according to a special report published in the April issue of Radiology.
“Radiology’s future brightens with the adoption of a philosophy of offering information rather than ‘reads’ for decision making. Staunchly defending the status quo via turf war is unlikely to constitute a forward-looking, competitive strategy,” wrote Dieter R. Enzmann, MD, of the department of radiological science at David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles.
In the information business model, the radiology report is more predictable, quantitative, integrated, relevant and responsive, according to Enzmann, who argued that embracing this model rather than a specific product or service offers better odds for business survival.
Are any of these developments impacting your facility’s affiliated providers and their patients? Please share your experiences.
Beth Walsh, Editor
bwalsh@trimedmedia.com
Beth Walsh,
Editor
Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.