Abstract B11: Sustaining annual colorectal cancer screening in rural community health clinics using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT)
Authors: Arnold Connie L. , Davis Terry C. , Rademaker Alfred , Morris James , Mills Glenn 
Published: February 2019

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC), the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, can be significantly reduced if it is detected early. Although overall CRC screening rates have increased significantly, disparities persist among low-income individuals, adults with low literacy, and those living in rural areas. These groups all have screening completion rates below 50%.

Objectives: To assess patient knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy about CRC screening and compare the effectiveness of two health literacy informed telephone follow-up strategies to improve annual screening over a three-year period with fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in rural community clinics.

Methods: A two-arm, randomized controlled trial is being implemented in four community clinics. Clinics reported CRC baseline screening rates of 3% to 5%. Eligible patients, age 50-75, were recruited at the clinic prior to a scheduled appointment. A research assistant (RA) conducted a baseline structured interview measuring CRC screening knowledge, beliefs, and self-efficacy. The RA then recommended screening and gave brief literacy and culturally appropriate education using a pamphlet (4th-grade level), the FIT kit with preaddressed envelope, simplified instructions (3rd-grade level), and a demonstration of how to use it. At four weeks patients who had not returned their kit received either 1) a personal follow-up call (PC) from a central prevention coordinator using motivational interviewing skills and reminding them to complete and mail FIT kits, or 2) an automated follow-up call (AC) using plain language and motivational messages encouraging patients to complete and mail the FIT. Outcomes include FIT completion after intervention, and again at 12 and 24 months.

Results: 620 patients not up to date with screening were enrolled: 64% African American, 56% women, 40% inadequate literacy. Although 90% reported having heard of CRC, only 64% knew a test to check for CRC. 70% reported that a provider had recommended CRC screening in the past and 91% reported they would want to know if they have CRC. Self-efficacy was high, with over 90% indicating they would return the kit to the lab. Screening results: 620 patients enrolled (AC: n=308 / PC: n=306); 418 (68%) completed tests (AC: n=213 (69%) / PC: n=205 (67%)). Follow-up calls for unreturned kits--AC: 124 (40%) people called--29 returned FIT (9.4% of people called completed FIT). PC: 127 (41%) people called--26 returned FIT (9.4% of people called completed FIT). 2nd-year screening: 255 second kits mailed out to date (AC: n=128/PC: n=125); 98 (38.5%) completed tests (AC: n=49 (38%) / PC: n=49 (39%)). Follow-up calls for unreturned kits--AC: 89 (70%) people called—19 returned FIT (14.8% of people called completed FIT). PC: 82 (66%) people called—17 returned FIT (13.6% of people called completed FIT).

Discussion: Implementing health literacy influenced CRC education, and screening strategies using the FIT and phone reminders dramatically increased FIT completion in rural community clinics. The less costly and time-consuming automated call was equally effective as a personal call.

Citation Format: Connie L. Arnold, Terry C. Davis, Alfred Rademaker, James Morris, Glenn Mills. Sustaining annual colorectal cancer screening in rural community health clinics using the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Tenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2017 Sep 25-28; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2018;27(7 Suppl):Abstract nr B11.