Skip Navigation
The Collection >
Performance of a fail-safe system to follow up abnormal mammograms in primary care.
Grossman E, Phillips RS, Weingart SN. J Patient Saf. 2010;6:172-179.

Tests pending after hospital discharge or following a clinic visit continue to challenge most health care systems. This study implemented a paper-based system to follow up abnormal mammograms and monitored provider responses to those reminders. Based on a report of abnormal mammograms generated by the radiology department, a practice administrator sent a letter to each provider with a copy of the report and a set of questions on behalf of their quality improvement committee. More than 90% of providers responded to the fail-safe reminders, 8% were unaware of the abnormal test, and there was no follow-up plan in place for 3% of cases. Less experienced providers were more likely to be unaware of abnormal mammograms and many lapses were noted in the context of care transitions. The authors conclude that their paper-based system is feasible and valuable but requires full engagement of providers in the process.

Available at icon indicating hyperlink to external website
white box
Related Resources
STUDY
Trends in primary care clinician perceptions of a new electronic health record.
El-Kareh R, Gandhi TK, Poon EG, et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2009;24:464-468.
STUDY
Creating a better discharge summary: improvement in quality and timeliness using an electronic discharge summary.
O'Leary KJ, Liebovitz SM, Feinglass J, et al. J Hosp Med. 2009;4:219-225.
STUDY
Are opioid dependence and methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) documented in the medical record? A patient safety issue.
Walley AY, Farrar D, Cheng DM, Alford DP, Samet JH. J Gen Intern Med. 2009;24:1007-1011.
STUDY
Communication and collaboration: it's about the pharmacists, as well as the physicians and nurses.
Holden LM, Watts DD, Walker PH. Qual Saf Health Care. 2010;19:169-172.
View all related resources...
white box
Download: Adobe Reader   email icon Email
tan box
white box