Reference no: EM132239253
Research Prospectus
Title -Compliance with USPSTF AAA Screening
Purpose/hypothesis - The purpose of the proposed study was to determine the percentage of ever-smoker males 65-75 years of age who have undergone CT screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), as recommended by the USPSTF, and the percentage of PCPs who recommend such screening as part of annual/interval physical examinations, We hypothesize that a low percentage of eligible males undergo such screening and a low percentage of physicians recommend such screening.
Background - In 2-3 paragraphs, describe the epidemiology of AAAs, the presentation and prognosis of patients with AAAs, the USPSTF screening guidelines, the rationale for the USPSTF guidelines, and what (if anything) has previously been done with respect to the hypothesis. I would recommend including some comments on compliance with screening guidelines in general.
Materials & Methods - Data will be collected from chart review of eligible patients (ever-smoker males 65-75 years of age undergoing annual/interval physical examinations without previous screening or diagnosis of an AAA). This is a preliminary study with a target sample size of 100 (10 charts/PCP). PCPs (FPs and internists) with private offices in Las Vegas, NV will be interviewed face-to-face to determine whether or not they recommend CT screening of ever-smoker males 65-75 years of age during annual/interval physical examinations. The target sample size is 10.
Statistical analysis - Not indicated for the proposed study.
A waiver will be requested from the Ethics Committee for the retrospective chart review. Informed consent will be obtained from the interviewed physicians and anonymity will be guaranteed. IRB approval will be requested.
Budget - There will be no costs associated with the study.
Discussion - Describe the potential clinical impact of the study and your recommendations.
References - Conduct a complete literature search on pubmed and list relevant studies using the following keywords: USPSTF guidelines; abdominal aortic aneurysm; ever-smokers; elderly males