Interventions to ensure follow-up of positive fecal immunochemical tests: An international survey of screening programs. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Selby, Kevin; Senore, Carlo; Wong, Martin; May, Folasade P; Gupta, Samir; Liang, Peter S
• Is Part Of: Journal of medical screening. Volume 28:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 53
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Colorectal cancer -- organized screening -- fecal occult blood tests -- follow-up; Medical screening -- Periodicals; 362.177
• DOI: 10.1177/0969141320904977
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-1413

Abstract

Objective: Colorectal cancer screening programs frequently report problems ensuring adequate follow-up of positive fecal immunochemical tests (FITs). We investigated strategies implemented by ongoing screening programs to improve follow-up for FIT-positive participants, and explored associations between interventions and reported rates of follow-up. Methods: We submitted an electronic survey to 58 colorectal cancer screening programs or affiliated researchers. Primary outcomes were the proportion of program participants with a positive FIT completing diagnostic colonoscopy, and patient, provider, and system-level interventions used to improve follow-up. We compare mean colonoscopy completion at six months in programs with and without interventions. Results: Thirty-five programs completed the survey (60% response). The mean proportion of participants with a positive FIT who completed colonoscopy was 79% (standard deviation 16%). Programs used a mean of five interventions to improve follow-up. Programs using patient navigators had an 11% higher rate of colonoscopy completion at six months ( p = 0.05). Programs sending reminders to primary care providers when no colonoscopy has been completed had a 12% higher rate of colonoscopy completion ( p = 0.03). Other interventions were not associated with significant differences. Conclusions: Almost all programs employ multiple interventions to ensure timely follow-up of positive FIT. The use of patient navigators and provider reminders is associated with higher rates of colonoscopy completion.