Promoting colorectal cancer screening discussion: a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Communication
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Provider recommendation is a key factor influencing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening adherence.
• Enhancing patient-provider communication is crucial for improving CRC screening rates.
• Targeted interventions may improve the effectiveness of CRC screening promotion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of two clinic-based interventions in promoting patient-provider discussions about CRC screening.
• To evaluate the impact of a computer-delivered tailored intervention versus a standard brochure.

Main Methods:

• A two-group randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 693 African-American patients non-adherent to CRC screening.
• Participants received either a computer-tailored intervention or an informational brochure prior to their primary care visit.
• Logistic regression analysis was used to examine intervention effects on CRC screening discussions and test orders.

Main Results:

• The computer-delivered tailored intervention group showed significantly higher rates of CRC screening discussions (63%) compared to the brochure group (48%).
• Computer intervention participation, younger age, and perceived self-efficacy were predictors of CRC screening discussions.
• Patients in the computer-tailored group were more likely to have CRC screening tests ordered by their primary care physician.

Conclusions:

• A computer-delivered tailored intervention is more effective than a standard brochure in stimulating patient-provider dialogue on CRC screening.
• The tailored intervention positively influenced the ordering of CRC screening tests by primary care physicians.
• Digital health interventions show promise for improving adherence to CRC screening recommendations.