) My research plan focuses on gastrointestinal cancer screening and surveillance. The integrated research approach targets three clinical areas (screening for colorectal cancer, and surveillance of patients with Barrett's esophagus and ulcerative colitis). The study methods link decision modeling with clinical research to answer important clinical questions regarding screening and surveillance. The integrated research process includes: 1) Identifying the relevant screening and surveillance questions for study, 2) structuring a decision analytic model (using published literature) to answer the study questions, 3) identifying the optimal strategy given the available data, 4) targeting critical parameters in the model for which there are incomplete data, 5) designing and implementing observational studies for primary collection of these data, and 6) integrating the results of the clinical studies into decision models to provide clinicians and policy makers with new, patient specific data about the optimal management strategy. Research projects focus on the development of the acceptable and cost-effective colon cancer screening strategies for veterans. Future projects will determine the costs and resource needs to implement these preferred strategies. Another study evaluates risk factors for presentation with late stage colorectal cancer. If modifiable factors such as access to screening, or physician delay in follow-up of positive screening tests are identified, then interventions can be made to improve access and reduce delay with the aim of reducing colorectal cancer mortality. Ongoing and future studies will examine the health related quality of life of patients with Barrett's esophagus and ulcerative colitis using standardized measures (SIP, SF-36, RFIPC, TTO). The results will be summarized and incorporated into the decision models to determine their effect on surveillance strategies. The other critical component of my career plan is the structured mentoring program for gastroenterology/health services research fellows. The program integrates coursework leading to a Master of Science in Clinical Research with a mentoring program that provides the fellow with the opportunity for patient centered research experience. There is a gradual increase in his/her research independence under my supervision, leading to the design and execution of his/her own research project, including data analysis, abstract and manuscript preparation and presentation of the study results at a national meeting.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (K24)
Project #
5K24DK002926-02
Application #
6380207
Study Section
Subcommittee G - Education (NCI)
Program Officer
Podskalny, Judith M,
Project Start
2000-09-29
Project End
2005-03-31
Budget Start
2001-04-01
Budget End
2002-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$94,438
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
071723621
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705
Zullig, Leah L; Jackson, George L; Provenzale, Dawn et al. (2014) Utilization of hospital-based chaplain services among newly diagnosed male Veterans Affairs colorectal cancer patients. J Relig Health 53:498-510
Jackson, George L; Zullig, Leah L; Zafar, S Yousuf et al. (2013) Using NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology to measure the quality of colorectal cancer care in the veterans health administration. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 11:431-41
Zullig, Leah L; Jackson, George L; Provenzale, Dawn et al. (2012) Transportation: a vehicle or roadblock to cancer care for VA patients with colorectal cancer? Clin Colorectal Cancer 11:60-5
Hamilton, Natia S; Jackson, George L; Abbott, David H et al. (2011) Use of psychosocial support services among male Veterans Affairs colorectal cancer patients. J Psychosoc Oncol 29:242-53
Jackson, George L; Powell, Adam A; Ordin, Diana L et al. (2010) Developing and sustaining quality improvement partnerships in the VA: the Colorectal Cancer Care Collaborative. J Gen Intern Med 25 Suppl 1:38-43
Palmer, Lena B; Abbott, David H; Hamilton, Natia et al. (2010) Quality of colonoscopy reporting in community practice. Gastrointest Endosc 72:321-7, 327.e1
Fisher, Deborah A; Zullig, Leah L; Grambow, Steven C et al. (2010) Determinants of medical system delay in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer within the Veteran Affairs Health System. Dig Dis Sci 55:1434-41
Gellad, Ziad F; Weiss, David G; Ahnen, Dennis J et al. (2010) Colonoscopy withdrawal time and risk of neoplasia at 5 years: results from VA Cooperative Studies Program 380. Am J Gastroenterol 105:1746-52
Gellad, Ziad F; Provenzale, Dawn (2010) Colorectal cancer: national and international perspective on the burden of disease and public health impact. Gastroenterology 138:2177-90
Fisher, Deborah A; Voils, Corrine I; Coffman, Cynthia J et al. (2009) Validation of a questionnaire to assess self-reported colorectal cancer screening status using face-to-face administration. Dig Dis Sci 54:1297-306

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