Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening has advanced to the forefront of contemporary preventive health care in Canada.1,2 Colonoscopy is central to CRC screening as either the initial exam or the follow-up to positive exams by other screening methods. Effective transmission of colonoscopy information is required to implement and evaluate the uptake and impact of CRC screening guidelines.3 Despite provincial CRC screening programs, mechanisms for scheduling appointments, tracking and monitoring quality indicators, reporting results and contacting patients for rescreening are either not in place or not efficient. With the global effort to conquer cancer underway, it is imperative to construct a new framework for computerized colonoscopy data collection and dissemination that meets these challenges.
To begin the process of improving communication across the continuum of care, a multidisciplinary group must be formed to identify prerequisites and assist in developing an electronic interface that can be adapted to many technological platforms, ultimately laying the groundwork for high-quality CRC screening services and programs in Canada.
References
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