Adaptation of the Flu-FIT Program for Patient-Aligned Care Teams: A Quality Improvement Project. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Funes, Sofia A.; Flores, Claudia; Davidow, Amy L.; Friedman, Stephen; Korenblit, Pearl; Thomas, Pauline
• Is Part Of: Journal of public health management and practice. Volume 27(2021)Supplement 3
• Page Start: S159
• Page End: S163
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: colorectal cancer screening -- Flu-FIT program -- prevention -- preventive medicine -- Veterans; Public health administration -- United States -- Periodicals; 253.6
• DOI: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000001313
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-4659

Abstract

Abstract : The Flu-FIT program aims to increase colorectal cancer screening rates by offering a home fecal immunochemical test (FIT) at the time of annual influenza immunization. This program was piloted at a VA campus in New Jersey during the 2018-2019 influenza season, with a 9% increase in colorectal cancer screening rates. In the 2019-2020 season, the program was implemented in 6 primary care teams; 6 additional teams maintaining standard of care served as a comparison group. A total of 816 patients aged 50 to 75 years were eligible for participation; 509 patients were available for analysis, 242 in the Flu-FIT group and 267 in the comparison group. The Flu-FIT group patients were 2.4 times more likely to accept FIT kits (95% confidence interval: 1.6-3.6, P = .001). The colorectal cancer screening rates increased 77.0% to 81.9% in the Flu-FIT group and 77.0% to 79.8% in the comparison group ( P > .05).