Jennifer Weiss, MD, MSPH

Current occupation: Assistant Professor,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology,Department of Medicine,University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Awarded the Certificate in Spring 2014

Research interests: Improving colorectal cancer screening rates for both average-risk and high-risk populations through healthcare system interventions. Her initial step has been to assess primary care provider barriers to colorectal cancer screening within UW Health in order to inform targeted interventions to improve colorectal cancer screening rates. These interventions were implemented by the UW Health Colon Cancer Prevention Initiative Committee. Her next step is to examine the impact of these interventions and identify key elements that can guide other healthcare systems in their colorectal cancer screening program design efforts.

Q&A

What was your research project for the Certificate?

Predictors of Colorectal Cancer Screening Variation Among Primary-Care Providers and Clinics

What roles did your community partners play in the project?

The initial barrier assessment from the perspective of primary care providers was conducted via a mailed survey. This survey was presented to the Colon Cancer Prevention Initiative (CCPI) Steering Committee that included primary care providers from Internal Medicine and Family Medicine, gastroenterologists, radiologists, clinic operations managers, members of the Patient and Family Advisory Council, and key staff from UWMF Care and Quality Innovations. The survey questions were based on a previously validated survey developed by the National Cancer Institute, the CDC, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The questions were adapted to address issues relevant to UW Health with input from members of the CCPI Steering Committee.

How might this research affect the health consumer?

This research study aims to understand current barriers to increasing colorectal cancer screening rates and determine ways to optimize use of this life-saving preventive service. We identified that substantial variation in colorectal cancer screening exists among primary care clinics and providers within a single clinic. We also identified predictors of this variation at multiple levels of the healthcare system (patient, provider, and clinic) which suggests that quality improvement interventions to increase colorectal cancer screening rates need to target multiple levels. We found that primary care providers and clinics play an integral role in the process of colorectal cancer screening.

What did you learn in the Certificate program that you didn’t expect?

I learned the importance of involving end-users right from the start of the research project. Their involvement enhances the entire research experience from ensuring that the research question/topic is pertinent, increasing the participation in the project, and ensuring the success of translating your research findings into clinical practice. I also learned the benefits of mixed methods research – using both quantitative and qualitative research methods to more completely examine your research question.

Name the top things learned that you will use in your research career.

I will definitely continue to incorporate mixed methods research in my future projects. I also learned the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration which is a skill that will serve me well in my future research career.

What advice would you give current and future Certificate students?

Do not underestimate the importance of community and end-user engagement in successful research. And most importantly – have fun!

Published works

Weiss JM, Pfau PR, O’Connor ES, King J, LoConte N, Kennedy G, Smith MA. Mortality by stage for right- versus left-sided colon cancer: Analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29(33):4401-9.