Date of Award
Fall 12-8-2025
Document Type
Capstone
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
December 2025
College Granting Degree
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Nancy Harris
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. It is highly preventable through routine screening and early detection, yet national data indicate that one in three eligible adults remains unscreened. The purpose of this Quality Improvement (QI) project was to increase colon cancer screening completion rates by implementing a patient navigation program. Kristen Swanson’s Theory of Caring guided the intervention by promoting patient-centered communication. W. Edwards Deming’s Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model provided the framework for this approach. Patients aged 45-75 years due for colon cancer screening were identified using the electronic health record (EHR) in a primary care clinic. A trained patient navigator conducted patient outreach, provided education on colon cancer, assisted with resources, and offered follow-up support. The Patient Navigation Barriers and Outcome Tool (PN-BOT) was used to document, track, and generate reports from the collected data. Data was analyzed by comparing colon cancer screening completion rates, provider colon cancer screening referral rates, and documentation of colon cancer screening status, pre- and post-intervention. The results showed a meaningful increase in colon cancer screening completion rates, enhanced documentation of screening status, and improved provider referral rates with navigation support. Findings suggest that incorporating patient navigation into primary care can strengthen patient adherence, promote provider-patient collaboration, and support equitable access to preventive care. Nurse-led navigation models can improve preventive screening outcomes and reduce cancer-related disparities.
Recommended Citation
Pennycooke, Anya C., "INCREASING COLON CANCER SCREENING COMPLETION RATES UTILIZING PATIENT NAVIGATION IN PRIMARY CARE: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 167.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/167