Low Literacy Intervention for Colorectal Cancer Screening

US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Colorectal Cancer

Treatments: Behavioral: Low Literacy Intervention for Colorectal Cancer Screening

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other U.S. Federal agency

Identifiers

NCT00012922

PCI 99-158

Details and patient eligibility

About

Of 17 performance measures of hospital quality regularly reported for the Veterans Administration (VA) health care system, rates of colorectal cancer screening are the lowest.

Full description

Background:

Of 17 performance measures of hospital quality regularly reported for the Veterans Administration (VA) health care system, rates of colorectal cancer screening are the lowest.

Objectives:

The objectives of this study were to 1) test whether a health care provider-directed intervention increased colorectal cancer screening rates in an urban VA medical center and 2) evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

Methods:

The study was a randomized controlled trial, conducted at two clinic firms at a VA Medical Center in Chicago. Eligible patients were men, age 50 and older, had no personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps, had not received colorectal cancer screening, and had at least one visit to the clinic during the study period. Health care providers in the intervention firm attended a workshop on colorectal cancer screening. Every 4-6 months they attended quality improvement workshops where they received group screening rates, individualized confidential feedback, and training on improving communication with patients with limited literacy skills. Medical records were reviewed for colorectal cancer screening recommendations and completion. Literacy level was assessed in a subset of patients. In the cost-effectiveness analysis, resource and cost estimates were derived.

Status:

The project is complete.

Enrollment: 2,400 estimated patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 50+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients over 50 with average risk for colorectal cancer. Patients with family history and/or personal history excluded, as well as those up to date on colorectal cancer screening.

Exclusion Criteria:

Trial design

2,400 participants in 1 patient group

Arm 1

Other group

Treatment:

Behavioral: Low Literacy Intervention for Colorectal Cancer Screening