Outreach and Reminder Strategies for Colorectal Cancer Screening
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests various strategies to remind and encourage people to complete overdue colorectal cancer screenings. It examines direct outreach methods, such as texts or letters, and doctor-initiated reminders during visits to determine which is most effective. Participants will be divided into groups to receive different types of reminders or none at all. Individuals aged 50 to 72 who have visited a Penn Medicine primary care doctor in the last two years and are behind on colorectal cancer screening may qualify for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to enhancing public health strategies for cancer screening reminders.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that these outreach and reminder strategies are safe for colorectal cancer screening?
Research shows that directly reaching out to patients for colorectal cancer screening, such as sending test kits to their homes, is generally safe and well-received. A study in a health system supporting low-income patients found that inviting individuals to complete both fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) and colonoscopies increased screening rates without significant side effects. This indicates that these outreach methods are safe.
For the method where patients choose their screening method, studies have shown that sending FIT kits directly to patients increases screening rates. No reports of serious safety issues have emerged with this approach.
Reminders from doctors, like text messages, have been studied for encouraging cancer screening. Evidence shows these digital reminders effectively promote screening without causing harm. They focus on gentle prompts rather than medical procedures, ensuring safety.
Overall, the strategies being tested involve outreach and reminders, not medical procedures, making them safe for participants.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores innovative ways to boost colorectal cancer screening rates. Unlike the standard approach, which typically relies on patients scheduling screenings themselves, these strategies involve direct outreach and reminders through texts and mail, making it easier for patients to follow through. Some strategies even include real-time prompts from primary care physicians during visits, ensuring that patients are reminded at multiple touchpoints. By testing these different outreach methods, researchers hope to identify the most effective way to encourage timely cancer screenings, potentially leading to earlier detection and better health outcomes.
What evidence suggests that this trial's strategies could be effective for increasing colorectal cancer screening?
This trial will evaluate different outreach and reminder strategies to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates. Research has shown that direct patient outreach can significantly boost CRC screening numbers. Sending information by mail raised CRC screening rates by 7.3% compared to standard methods. In this trial, some participants will receive direct patient outreach, while others will not. Studies also reveal that offering a choice between different screening options, sequentially, leads to higher completion rates. For instance, providing a choice of methods resulted in a 17.1% screening rate, compared to 14.4% when only a colonoscopy was offered. Additionally, some participants will receive gentle reminders during doctor visits, which have proven effective in encouraging patients to complete their screenings. These strategies, tested in various arms of this trial, can significantly boost participation in CRC screening, potentially saving lives through early detection.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Shivan Mehta, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Pennsylvania
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients aged 50-72 who are overdue for colorectal cancer screening, have seen a participating primary care physician in the last two years, and aren't up to date with their screenings. It's not for those on hospice or palliative care, uninsured/self-pay individuals, scheduled for colon procedures, at high risk of dying within three years, or with certain gastrointestinal conditions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants receive direct outreach and clinician-directed nudges to encourage CRC screening completion
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for CRC screening completion and effectiveness of interventions
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Direct Patient Outreach: Colonoscopy Only
- Direct Patient Outreach: Sequential Choice
- No Direct Patient Outreach
- No Nudge/Text
- Visit-Based Nudge/Text
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
Lead Sponsor
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Lead Sponsor