Abstract A019: Impact of COVID-19 on patient navigation services for follow-up colonoscopy after abnormal fecal testing in community health centers
Authors: Thompson Jamie H. , Rivelli Jennifer , Schneider Jennifer , Petrik Amanda F. , Coronado Gloria D. 
Published: December 2022

Introductory sentence about purpose of the study: The PRECISE study tests the effectiveness of a targeted patient navigation program for follow-up colonoscopy after abnormal fecal testing in community health centers. We present adaptations of the patient navigation program resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brief description of pertinent experimental procedures: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening by annual fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is an accessible and cost-effective strategy to lower CRC incidence and mortality. However, this mode of screening depends on follow-up colonoscopy after an abnormal FIT result to prevent CRC or find it in early, treatable forms. Unfortunately, almost half of patients with an abnormal FIT result fail to complete this essential screening component. Patient navigation can provide needed support for patients to complete a follow-up colonoscopy. PRECISE is a collaboration with a large community health center whose patient population is 37% Latino. Eligible patients were aged 50-75, had an abnormal FIT result in the past month, and were due for a follow-up colonoscopy. Patients were randomized to patient navigation or usual care. Patient navigation was delivered by a bilingual (English and Spanish) patient navigator using a six-topic phone-based protocol, adapted from the New Hampshire Colorectal Cancer Screening Program. Summary of new, unpublished data: A total of 985 patients were enrolled in the PRECISE study, 489 randomized to the intervention arm and 496 to the control arm. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we made adaptations to the navigator training program and navigation delivery. We converted our in-person training program to a virtual navigation training series combining pre-recorded videos and live webinars. Additionally, we strengthened relationships with GI practices to expedite referrals, improve scheduling processes, and better understand COVID-related policy changes including the conversion of some pre-procedure consultations to a phone-based platform and COVID-19 testing requirements prior to the colonoscopy. Finally, we adapted patient navigator messages to address fear and anxiety about getting medical care during the peak COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary patient navigation outcomes will be available in September 2022. Statement of conclusions: This innovative clinical trial highlights the importance of patient navigation to improve CRC screening in community health centers. Rapid response to COVID-19 provided the opportunity to adapt our navigator program for a virtual setting allowing for 1) the sustainability of patient navigation during the pandemic and 2) the broadening of training resources for patient navigators and community health workers.

Citation Format: Jamie H. Thompson, Jennifer Rivelli, Jennifer Schneider, Amanda F. Petrik, Gloria D. Coronado. Impact of COVID-19 on patient navigation services for follow-up colonoscopy after abnormal fecal testing in community health centers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Colorectal Cancer; 2022 Oct 1-4; Portland, OR. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(23 Suppl_1):Abstract nr A019.