Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
06:28
E-Patient Counseling Trial (E-PACO): Computer Based Education versus Nurse Counseling for Patients to Prepare for Colonoscopy
Published on: August 1, 2019
A Personalised and Gamified Digital Decision Aid for Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study
Celebrin Mattia1, Filosa Asia1, Anelli Manuela1
1Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
Cancer Medicine
|May 30, 2026
Summary
A smartphone app using personalization and gamification may increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening uptake and support informed decision-making. Further research is needed to confirm effectiveness in diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Digital health interventions
- Cancer prevention
- Health behavior change
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide.
- Suboptimal screening participation persists due to various barriers.
- Effective strategies are needed to improve screening adherence and informed decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the PREVenGO smartphone application's effectiveness as a digital decision aid (DA).
- To evaluate the DA's role in enhancing informed decision-making and adherence to CRC screening.
- To explore the impact of personalization and gamification on screening behavior.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled pilot trial (DA-CRC) involving individuals invited for CRC screening.
- Participants were randomized to use either the PREVenGO app (intervention) or static educational material (control).
- The intervention app included personalized questionnaires and gamified elements; both groups received follow-up notifications.
Main Results:
- High overall faecal occult blood test (FOBT) screening uptake (86.7%) was observed, with no significant difference between groups.
- Limited participant retention was noted for follow-up questionnaires (3-month: 7.3%; 6-month: 0.4%).
- Only 17% of participants met criteria for informed choice, highlighting knowledge gaps regarding screening risks and benefits.
Conclusions:
- A digital DA with personalized and gamified features shows potential for increasing CRC screening uptake.
- The intervention may partially support informed choice, but significant knowledge gaps remain.
- Larger, multisite studies are necessary to assess the scalability and long-term effectiveness of digital DAs in cancer prevention.
