ASPO Abstracts
Evaluating outreach methods for the multi-target stool DNA test for colorectal cancer screening among a screening-eligible employer population
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2021
Abstract Body:
Purpose:
Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) can significantly improve survival rates among patients. Despite
compelling evidence of the clinical and economic benefits, adherence to CRC screening remains low.
Increasing awareness among eligible individuals through various outreach methods may improve screening
uptake. The objective of this study was to evaluate uptake of non-invasive multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) by
different outreach methods in an average-risk employer population.
Methods:
This was a retrospective observational study including CRC screening-eligible individuals aged ≥50 years in
two intervention arms employer health plan targeted outreach (by mail and phone) and provider-initiated
outreach (face-to-face interaction). The study was approved by the Vanderbilt Institutional Review Board
(IRB#192421). The mt-sDNA completion rate (proportion of individuals who return the mt-sDNA kit after it has
been shipped to their home), proportion of patients who performed follow-up colonoscopy after a positive mt-
sDNA test, and time to follow-up colonoscopy were assessed.
Results:
A total of 167 mt-sDNA kits were shipped to eligible participants (aged 50-64 years) in the employer health
plan targeted outreach arm. In the provider-initiated outreach arm, a total of 132 mt-sDNA kits were shipped to
eligible participants (aged ≥ 50 years). The mt-sDNA completion rate was significantly higher for the provider-
initiated outreach as compared to the employer health plan targeted outreach (76.8% vs. 53.5%; p<0.001).
While all patients aged 50-64 years with a positive mt-sDNA result received a follow-up colonoscopy in both
outreach arms (6 patients in employer health plan targeted; 4 patients in provider-initiated), median time to
follow-up colonoscopy was shorter among the employer health plan targeted outreach (55 vs. 136 days;
p<0.05).
Conclusions:
Provider-initiated outreach was associated with a higher mt-sDNA completion rate as compared to the
employer health plan targeted outreach approach among average-risk, CRC screening-eligible individuals
aged 50-64 years. Having an established relationship and a sense of trust in the provider may play an
important role in mt-sDNA screening completion.
Keywords: colorectal cancer screening, early detection, mt-sDNA