Abstract PO-025: Implementing evidence-based interventions (EBI) to increase uptake of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Jones Beth A. , Suttiratana Sakinah C. , DeGiovanni Sally A. , Robinson Levita Y. , Couturie Michael J. , Stevens Denise , Stefanou Monique K. , DeJesus Jose , Reyes Eduardo , Colon Jonathan , Cosgrove Maryanne , Parra Steven J. 
Published: January 2022

Purpose: We partnered with a local Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) to test implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBI) promoting Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) CRC screening in an environment in which colonoscopy has been the prevailing screening strategy. We report on implementation adaptations and preliminary results. Background: Sociocultural and medical concerns are barriers to colonoscopy uptake in some populations. An additional barrier to CRC screening is system level capacity for colonoscopy that results in a back log of cases and long wait times. With Covid-19, the additional backlog in overdue CRC screening has underscored the need to expand FIT testing capacity to address screening needs and to pre-empt further racial/ethnic and SES disparities in CRC outcomes. This trial tests the unique and additive value of multiple EBIs for increasing CRC screening (primarily through FIT testing, but also colonoscopy when indicated) while evaluating the success of implementing these approaches. EBIs include the use of medical reminders, addressing the structural barriers (social determinants of health [SDOH]), and assistance from community health workers. Methods: Participants (3500), ages 45-75, were identified from a large FQHC in New Haven, CT and determined to be overdue for CRC screening. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the four arms of the study: 1) Provider reminder (overdue for CRC screening) only; 2) Provider Reminder + SDOH short message and one-size-fits all link to resources; 3) Provider Reminder + SDOH short message and offer for individualized navigation (trained navigators from local community) to address SDOH and other barriers; 4) Provider Reminder + offer to participate in a CRC educational program as phase 2 of the NCI's Screen to Save program (not an EBI). Preliminary data on uptake of CRC screening will be presented. Results: With input from stakeholders, we have: 1) lowered age eligibility from 50 to 45 to align with new guidelines; 2) expanded the target population to 2 additional satellite clinics, more than doubling the proposed study enrollment; 3) incorporated design changes in the patient reminders. The collaboration between research team and clinician stakeholders has been critical in minimizing disruptions to clinical workflow while assuring fidelity to the evidence-based interventions. Preliminary outcomes (within one month of intervention) on uptake of intervention across the 4 arms of the study, i.e., referral for CRC screening and test completion will be presented. Conclusion: The unique challenges of this urban community of primarily African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx and/or low socioeconomic status individuals stem from the disproportionate burden of SDOH barriers. Findings will inform primary care setting implementation of EBIs to address the anticipated increase in disparities in CRC screening, exacerbated by COVID-19 changes in health care access and utilization, as well as the increased demand associated with the change in guidelines.

Citation Format: Beth A. Jones, Sakinah C. Suttiratana, Sally A. DeGiovanni, Levita Y. Robinson, Michael J. Couturie, Denise Stevens, Monique K. Stefanou, Jose DeJesus, Eduardo Reyes, Jonathan Colon, Maryanne Cosgrove, Steven J. Parra. Implementing evidence-based interventions (EBI) to increase uptake of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in Vulnerable Populations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-025.