A retrospective chart review in the Endoscopy Department at Queen's Medical Center identified 358 Native Hawaiian patients who had completed a colonoscopy screening procedure between August 2011 and January 2013, through either the Direct Referral Colonoscopy program or its Traditional Referral program. The differences in the characteristics of Native Hawaiian patients were summarized and compared between the two referral programs to identify potential barriers for future interventions and increase colorectal cancer screening. The combined colonoscopy screening rate among Native Hawaiians was 13%. Younger patients and those with private insurance were found to be undergoing colonoscopy screening through the Direct Referral program. The findings of this study underscore the need to reduce disparities in colonoscopy screening among Native Hawaiians.
Keywords: Colonoscopy; Colorectal Cancer Screening; Direct Referral program; Native Hawaiians; Traditional Referral program.