Implementing an Evidence-Based Algorithm for the Diagnosis and Evaluation of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) in Female Basic Military Training Recruits

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1182691 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Background: Approximately 25% of United States Air Force (USAF) Basic Military Training (BMT) female recruits entering BMT are anemic, mostly due to iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA), with rates as high as 77% in other military female recruit cohorts. Currently, a standardized, evidence-based algorithm is not used at the Reid Medical Clinic (RMC) to diagnose and evaluate ID/IDA, contributing to an overuse of diagnostic studies, erroneous medical diagnosis, and poor follow-up. Clinical Question: Can the use of an evidence-based educational platform to educate Reid Clinic Providers result in an 11% improved adherence rate to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) algorithm for the evaluation and diagnosis of IDA among reproductive-aged female BMT recruits compared with current practice? Design: The RE-AIM framework guided a three-month retrospective chart review comparing providers current evaluation and diagnostic practices to the AAFP IDA algorithm recommendations. An interactive, provider-centered educational class with case studies, pre/post-tests, handouts, monthly staff meetings, selected project champions, and three months of post-workshop biweekly chart audits were completed. Analysis of the Results: Comparison of a three-month retrospective chart review containing 126 records with a three-month post-implementation chart review containing 170 records revealed a 43.75% increase in compliance to the AAFP algorithm. There was a reduction in diagnostic studies post-implementation which resulted in an estimated savings of $105,248.00 annually, if fully adopted. Organizational Impact/Implications for Practice: The RMC shows increased compliance with algorithm utilization, with a continued rise anticipated. Sustainability is maintained by selecting a change champion as well as acquiring a mandated policy letter from the Medical Director, enforcing the AAFP algorithm.

Author(s):
Everage, Melissa ; Frazier, Virgina ; Robertson, Nicholas ; Simmons, Matthew
Author Organization(s):
UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIV OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES BETHESDA MD
Funding Organization(s):
UNIFORMED SERVICES UNIV OF THE HEALTH SCIENCES BETHESDA MD, BETHESDA , MD
Document Type:
Technical Report/Research Paper
Publication Date:
2020 Mar 28
Pagination:
64

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Communities of Interest:
Biomedical
Descriptor(s):
health services, medical personnel, air force, pain, military training, students, health care, therapy, united states, department of defense, diseases, literature surveys, psychology, public health, standards, statistical tests
Keyword(s):
ida (Iron Deficiency), ida (id Anemia), bmt (Basic Military Training), cpg (Clinical Practice Guidelines), aafp (American Academy of Family Physicians), usaf (United States Air Force), female recruits, adherence rate
Subject Categories:
Biological and Medical Sciences; Military Sciences
Creation Date:
2022 Oct 18
Update Date:
2023 Jan 05