Other Titles
Strategies for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Ovarian Cancer: A Quality Assurance Project Proposing a Clinical Decision Support System to Advance Health Equity in Ovarian Cancer Care [Title Slide]
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of death among gynecologic malignancies, largely due to delayed diagnosis. Rural clinics face unique challenges, including limited access to specialists and diagnostic tools. This DNP quality assurance project aimed to evaluate and improve providers’ strategies for the timely diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer within a rural gynecology clinic serving women at increased risk for delayed detection and mortality.
Methods/Design: Using Avedis Donabedian’s structure-process-outcome framework, a retrospective chart review assessed adherence to evidence-based diagnostic and treatment practices. Findings informed the implementation of a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) integrated into provider workflows. Educational sessions, standardized algorithms, and audit-feedback cycles promoted provider engagement and fidelity to guidelines.
Results/Findings: Post-implementation data demonstrated improved timeliness of diagnostic testing, earlier stage identification, and reduced treatment initiation delays. Provider compliance with guideline-based care increased markedly. Qualitative feedback revealed greater confidence in managing nonspecific ovarian cancer symptoms, leading to more consistent referrals and improved continuity of care.
Implications for Practice/Education/Research: The CDSS intervention supported earlier diagnosis, improved provider decision-making, and advanced equity in women’s cancer care—especially among Black and rural populations disproportionately affected by late detection. Findings underscore the value of decision-support tools and interprofessional collaboration in promoting quality and safety outcomes consistent with the AACN 2021 Essentials domains of Systems-Based Practice and Quality & Safety. This project provides a scalable model for national and global application in women’s health equity initiatives.
Notes
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Reference list attached as separate file.
Sigma Membership
Gamma Kappa
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quality Improvement
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Ovarian Cancer, Clinical Decision Support System, Donabedian Framework, Health Equity
Recommended Citation
Harrison, Petrina Nicole, "Strategies for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Ovarian Cancer" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 47.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/47
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-07-24
Strategies for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Ovarian Cancer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background/Purpose: Ovarian cancer remains the leading cause of death among gynecologic malignancies, largely due to delayed diagnosis. Rural clinics face unique challenges, including limited access to specialists and diagnostic tools. This DNP quality assurance project aimed to evaluate and improve providers’ strategies for the timely diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer within a rural gynecology clinic serving women at increased risk for delayed detection and mortality.
Methods/Design: Using Avedis Donabedian’s structure-process-outcome framework, a retrospective chart review assessed adherence to evidence-based diagnostic and treatment practices. Findings informed the implementation of a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) integrated into provider workflows. Educational sessions, standardized algorithms, and audit-feedback cycles promoted provider engagement and fidelity to guidelines.
Results/Findings: Post-implementation data demonstrated improved timeliness of diagnostic testing, earlier stage identification, and reduced treatment initiation delays. Provider compliance with guideline-based care increased markedly. Qualitative feedback revealed greater confidence in managing nonspecific ovarian cancer symptoms, leading to more consistent referrals and improved continuity of care.
Implications for Practice/Education/Research: The CDSS intervention supported earlier diagnosis, improved provider decision-making, and advanced equity in women’s cancer care—especially among Black and rural populations disproportionately affected by late detection. Findings underscore the value of decision-support tools and interprofessional collaboration in promoting quality and safety outcomes consistent with the AACN 2021 Essentials domains of Systems-Based Practice and Quality & Safety. This project provides a scalable model for national and global application in women’s health equity initiatives.
Description
This DNP quality assurance project implemented a clinical decision support system (CDSS) to improve timely diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer in a rural gynecology clinic. Guided by Donabedian’s framework, the intervention enhanced provider adherence to evidence-based algorithms, increased early detection, and reduced diagnostic delays, advancing health equity among underserved women.