Ithaca College

Srijana Bajracharya, of the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education, and students Kayla Titus, Meredith Titterington, Becky Ginsburg, and Doreen Brune presented the results of a research project titled, "Examining Preventive Care Barriers in a Clinical Setting," at the American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) National Convention in Tampa, Florida, April 3, 2009.

The purpose of the study was to examine health practioners' beliefs, satisfaction, perceived barriers, and challenges from a large Northeastern health care system regarding preventative screening practices among their patients.

The results indicated that the majority of practitioners agreed with the screening guidelines that had been established by the clinic and reported complying with them closely. Limited insurance coverage and cost of the screening test, lack of time to discuss prevention with patients, and communication difficulties were seen as the top three barriers to preventative care.