Using data to effectively manage a national screening program

Abstract

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is implemented through cooperative agreements with state health departments, US territories, and tribal health organizations (grantees). Grantees typically contract with clinicians and other providers to deliver breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services. As required by the CDC, grantees report biannually a subset of patient and clinical level program data known as the Minimum Data Elements. Rigorous processes are in place to ensure the completeness and quality of program data collection. In this article, the authors describe the NBCCEDP data-collection processes and data management system and discusses how data are used for 1) program monitoring and improvement, 2) evaluation and research, and 3) policy development and analysis. They also provide 2 examples of how grantees use data to improve their performance.

Keywords: data management; program evaluation; public health; quality measures; screening.

Figure 1

The Minimum Data Elements (MDE) submission process is illustrated. NBCCEDP indicates National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program; CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Figure 2

This is an example of a Minimum Data Elements (MDE) feedback report that measures grantee performance in meeting an indicator of National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) screening priorities: providing mammography screening to women aged ≥50 years. The table and histogram provide information on how Grantee X performed relative to the NBCCEDP target, the NBCCEDP aggregate, and other grantee programs. Min-Max indicates minimum-maximum.

Figure 3

The percentage of Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program clients ages 50 to 57 years who received rescreening mammograms is illustrated according to age group.

Figure 4

A comparison of the time between cervical screening and cancer diagnosis and between cancer diagnosis and the initiation of treatment (Tx) is illustrated among patients at 5 Louisiana Breast and Cervical Health Program service providers.

Figure 5

A comparison of enrollment screening is illustrated for the first quarter of the 2008 and 2009 program years (PY) for 1 Washington State Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program prime contractor. The bars represent "September, August, July" left to right.