Acceptability of Patient Navigation to Promote Follow-up Colonoscopy

Patient navigation can improve participation in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, but little is known about patients' experiences with navigation. Here we report patients' experience with navigation for colonoscopy following an abnormal stool-test result.

We conducted qualitative interviews among patients due for follow-up colonoscopy after an abnormal stool-test result, and who received patient navigation. Patients were enrolled in PRECISE, a randomized clinical trial comparing patient navigation vs. usual care in a large federally qualified health center. Telephone interviews were in English or Spanish among a sub-sample of patients. Recordings were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using a constant comparative approach.

We completed 25 interviews (12 in Spanish and 13 in English). All patients perceived navigation as helpful. Spanish-preferring respondents had more barriers and needed support through the colonoscopy process. Navigated patients valued assistance with scheduling and having a single point of contact for bowel preparation questions. Patients suggested making sure navigators are well-versed in the colonoscopy experience, timely with calls, have access to local resources to help resolve barriers, and expand outreach to weekends and evenings.

Patients who received navigation for follow-up colonoscopy perceived it as acceptable, helpful, and reassuring. Patients recommended the service continue and suggested improvements.