Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026

E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
A multimedia patient education program on colorectal cancer screening increases knowledge and willingness to consider
Gregory Makoul1, Kenzie A Cameron, David W Baker
1Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Hartford, CT 06105, USA. gmakoul@stfranciscare.org
Objective:
To test a multimedia patient education program on colorectal cancer (CRC) screening that was designed specifically for the Hispanic/Latino community, and developed with input from community members.
Methods:
A total of 270 Hispanic/Latino adults, age 50-80 years, participated in Spanish for all phases of this pretest-posttest design. Patients were randomly assigned to a version of the multimedia program that opened with either a positive or negative introductory appeal. Structured interviews assessed screening relevant knowledge (anatomy and key terms, screening options, and risk information), past screening behavior, willingness to consider screening options, intention to discuss CRC screening with the doctor, and reactions to the multimedia patient education program.
Results:
The multimedia program significantly increased knowledge of anatomy and key terms (e.g., polyp), primary screening options (FOBT, flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy), and risk information as well as willingness to consider screening (p<.001 for all). No significant differences emerged between positive and negative introductory appeals on these measures, intention to discuss CRC screening with their doctor, or rating the multimedia program.
Conclusion:
Multimedia tools developed with community input that are designed to present important health messages using graphics and audio can reach Hispanic/Latino adults across literacy levels and ethnic backgrounds. Additional research is needed to determine effects on actual screening behavior.
Practice Implications:
Despite promising results for engaging a difficult-to-reach audience, the multimedia program should not be considered a stand-alone intervention or a substitute for communication with physicians. Rather, it is a priming mechanism intended to prepare patients for productive discussions of CRC screening.
Related Concept Videos
Health Literacy
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Patient-centered Care
Endoscopic Procedures II: Colonoscopy
Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include: