DOI

10.21007/con.dnp.2026.0142

Faculty Advisor

Katherine Ferrell Fouquier, PhD, CNM, FACNM

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 2025

Disciplines

Health and Medical Administration | Investigative Techniques | Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing | Nursing Administration | Nursing Midwifery | Obstetrics and Gynecology | Quality Improvement

Abstract

Purpose/Background

The Papanicolaou “pap” smear screens for cervical cancer in women ages 21-65 with a cervix. Inconsistent locations for lab results lead to a decrease in provider efficiency, and patients are unaware of results or recommended follow-up. This quality improvement project implemented a tracking tool within the electronic medical record (EMR) in a busy midwifery clinic. The outcomes are the identification of patients overdue for pap smears, scheduling the procedure, recording of results, and patient notification with recommended follow-up.

Methods

A one-month chart review was performed of fifty gynecology patients within a midwifery clinic. Results of pap smears were located and input into an existing but unutilized EMR tracker along with the next recommended pap smear date. Deficiencies were identified, charts were flagged, and clinic staff were tasked to contact patients to schedule delinquent pap smears. Staff provided education about the importance of pap smears. Flagged charts were reviewed after an additional month to determine compliance and record results. Patients were notified of results and recommended follow-up by mail.   

Results

Of the 50 reviewed patients who were scheduled in the midwifery clinic during August 2025,  21 (41.18%) were overdue for pap smears. One month later, 7 of these patients (33.33%) were notified and seen or scheduled. All pap smear results were transcribed into the EMR tracking tool along with the date of the next guideline-recommended pap smear. Patients were mailed their results and the date of the next recommended screening.

Implications for Nursing Practice

This utilized EMR tracking tool centralizes results and improves clinic workflow. Provider satisfaction resulted in ease of locating results.  Patient adherence to recommended screening is enhanced by timely notification. Implementing this tool supports earlier identification and prevention of cervical cancer.

 

 

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