Research-Tested. Results-Driven. Community Focused.
Horizons Screening Navigation
The Horizons Screening Navigation initiative (formerly the Community Cancer Screening Program) was developed in 2008 and has been research-tested and proven to reduce colorectal cancer screening disparities for low-income, underinsured, and uninsured primary care patients. Our Health Navigators have expertise in:
- Establishing and maintaining provider and patient reminder systems.
- Conducting one-on-one patient education and coaching.
- Counseling patients to help them overcome their screening barriers.
- Using proven strategies that help ensure patient compliance.
For more information about Horizons Screening Navigation,
call Horizons at (229) 352-9100.
Horizons Screening Navigation: Saving Lives
Colorectal cancer is the 3rd leading cause of death in the US and Georgia. Breast cancer accounts for 7% of all cancer deaths. And the early detection of both can mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, there are barriers preventing some of our state’s most at-risk populations from getting access to these lifesaving procedures:
- Lack of information about the importance of screening
- Logistical concerns such as cost, transportation, or time
- Emotional factors that prevent people from seeking screening
- Difficulty navigating a complex healthcare system
Two Approaches to Better Outcomes
The Horizons Screening Navigation initiative helps lower barriers to cancer screenings by taking two approaches:
Patient-Centered Approach
With our patient-centered approach, we seek to help individuals become better equipped to overcome the barriers to timely cancer screening.
- We provide one-on-one patient education and appointment reminders
- We assist patients in overcoming barriers to screening, such as testing cost, lack or transportation, or poor literacy
Healthcare System Approach
In addition to working directly with patients, we support healthcare professionals and providers who perform cancer screenings.
- We manage screening reminder systems
- We coordinate screenings and follow-up services
- We ensure that follow-up appointments are charted
- We provide feedback to providers about their referral patterns
- We help establish and maintain clinical systems to help identify and enroll patients into the initiative
Proven Results for South Georgia
In a 2013 study, the Emory Prevention Research Center undertook an evaluation of what was then known as the Community Cancer Screening Program (CCSP). The study, which stretched across 13 Federally Qualified Health Centers in rural Southwest Georgia, compared whether patients who received the CCSP were more likely to receive life-saving colorectal cancer screenings.
The results were overwhelmingly positive. Patients who received services through CCSP were:
- Five times more likely to receive a colonoscopy referral
- Eight times more likely to have a colonoscopy
- Six times more likely to be compliant with screening guidelines
Recognitions
The Horizons Screening Navigation colonoscopy screening component is designated a Research Tested Intervention Program by the National Cancer Institute. The program also was awarded:
- Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award (2013)
- Healthcare Georgia Foundation’s Joseph D. Greene Community Service Award (2014)
In addition, the program is recognized as a best practice for reducing colorectal cancer screening disparities by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Healthcare Innovation Exchange and was highlighted as a Success Story by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Guide to Community Preventive Services.
Visit our Awards and Recognitions page for more information.
Horizons is Providing Life Changing Care Services to Communities Across Georgia. Help Us Carry Out Our Mission – Donate Today!