Failure by physicians and healthcare systems to follow up on patients with rectal bleeding is common and may result in a delay in diagnosis of colorectal cancer or in missing high-risk adenomas. A new peer-review study co-authored by Michael Kanter, MD, KPSOM Chair of Clinical Science, described the creation of an electronic patient safety net for patients who were diagnosed with rectal bleeding but who did not have a colonoscopy to detect colonic abnormalities, including cancer.
The study, “Creating a Safety Net Process to Improve Colon Cancer Diagnosis in Patients With Rectal Bleeding,” was published in The Permanente Journal and co-authored by three other researchers from Kaiser Permanente: Tracy Imley, MD, CPHQ, Royann Timmins, RN, and Annette L. Adams, PhD, MPH. The researchers designed a safety net system at Kaiser Permanente that could potentially prevent negative outcomes for patients whose rectal bleeding did not get prompt attention. Other health systems and practices should consider implementing a similar system, the researchers concluded.
Kanter has also served as the Southern California Permanente Medical Group’s medical director of Quality and Clinical Analysis and executive vice president and chief quality officer for The Permanente Federation. His work on reducing diagnostic errors and delays is widely recognized.
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