Author Archives: Gastroenterology Journal
Qualitative Improvement Initiative to Improve Helicobacter pylori Testing and Treatment After Diagnosis of Gastroduodenal Ulcers
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a common cause of gastroduodenal ulcers (GDU), and current guidelines recommend eradication of H. pylori to promote healing of GDU and prevention of H. pylori-associated diseases. We aimed to quantify and im… Continue reading
Increasing Malnutrition Screening and Micronutrient Evaluation in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Quality Improvement Study Demonstrating the Feasibility of a New Malnutrition Screening Algorithm
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with an increased risk of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies due to chronic enteric losses, malabsorption, food avoidance, and prior surgery. Malnutrition affects 20-80% of patients with IBD and i… Continue reading
Targeting Quality Metrics in Cirrhosis: A Systems-Level Initiative to Improve Inpatient Cirrhosis Management
Quality metrics for inpatient cirrhosis management have been created to improve processes of care. We aimed to improve adherence to these quality metrics by creating a novel tool in the electronic health record (EHR). Continue reading
Utilizing an Advanced Liver Disease Dashboard to Identify Patients With Cirrhosis Overdue for Esophageal Varices Screening: A Single Institution Quality Improvement Study
Decompensation events, such as portal hypertensive bleeding, are associated with increased morbidity and mortality among persons living with cirrhosis. Current practice guidelines recommend surveillance for esophageal varices in the setting of clinical… Continue reading
Improved Adherence of Colonoscopy Surveillance Guidelines Using an Automated Endoscopy Template to Standardize Evidence-Based Recommendations
In February 2020, the United States Multi-Society Task Force (USMSTF) updated their recommendations for follow-up interval after colonoscopy with or without polypectomy. A salient change is increasing the surveillance interval for 1-2 adenomas Continue reading
Impact of TeleHealth in Gastroenterology Clinic Attendance
Telehealth has become an important part of medical care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies have demonstrated patient preference for telehealth care due to convenience and time and cost savings related to travel. The increased ease of access… Continue reading
Colorectal Cancer Initiative
The objective of this project was to improve the number of patients between the age of 50-75 years at Riverside Medical Center who perform colorectal cancer (CRC) screening after implementation of an intervention in the form of a letter that was sent o… Continue reading
Multifaceted Intervention Improves Bowel Preparation and Intra-Procedural Simethicone Use in Screening Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer in the United States with an incidence of 36.5/100,000 people and a mortality rate of 13.1/100,000 people. Colonoscopies are the gold standard for detection and prevention of colorectal cancer… Continue reading
Determining the Endoscopic Follow-Up for Gastric Ulcers Based Upon Endoscopic Appearance and Histology (Poster Presentation)
Gastric ulcers are common, but the prevalence rate of malignancy in endoscopically diagnosed gastric ulcers varies considerably. It is unclear whether endoscopic follow-up is warranted in all patients with gastric ulcers, as the yield of the follow-up … Continue reading
Low Use of First-Line Agents for Constipation by Primary Care Providers in Patients Referred to Gastroenterology Clinic for Chronic Constipation
Constipation is a highly prevalent and chronic disorder, reported in anywhere from 24-50% of the adult population. The majority of patients with chronic constipation are treated in a primary care setting rather than by a gastroenterologist. In our clin… Continue reading