A computerized intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening for underserved populations: Theoretical background and algorithm development

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Greiner, K. Allen^a | Geana, Mugur V.^{a; b} | Epp, Aaron^a | Watson, Angela^a | Filippi, Melissa^c | Daley, Christine Makosky^c | Engelman, Kimberly K.^c | James, Aimee S.^d | Campbell, Marci^e

Affiliations: [a] Department of Family Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA | [b] William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA | [c] Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA | [d] Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA | [e] Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Mugur V. Geana, 312 Stauffer-Flint Hall, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA. Tel.: +1 785 864 7692; Fax: +1 785 864 5318; E-mail: geanam@ku.edu.

Abstract: Objective:The aim of this exploratory study was to assess factors deemed by patients as “important” as they planned and considered undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, and to use this data to design a computer-delivered intervention to promote screening. Methods:Fifty participants 50 years or older, not up-to-date with current recommended CRC screening guidelines, were recruited from a primary care clinic. A semi-structured interview focused on aspects of preparing for colorectal cancer screening was administered; after transcription, researchers used triangulation and consensus to identify relevant themes and concepts. Results:Four main themes were identified that dealt with issues important for both FOBT and colonoscopy planning: personal concerns, reminders, communication with healthcare providers and obtaining test results. FOBT specific themes included: sample collection and return. For colonoscopy screening, themes included: scheduling, intervention questions, colonoscopy preparation, and transportation. These can be classified as barrier, process and accessory themes. The developed computer-administered implementation intentions algorithm addressed all the identified concerns in a planned and sequential manner, in order to facilitate planning for CRC screening. Conclusions:The results of this study suggest that appropriate reminders, explanations of procedures, and patient understanding of temporary life disruptions, help patients develop and accept a detailed screening plan.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer screening, FOBT, colonoscopy, implementation intentions, computer intervention, underserved populations

DOI: 10.3233/THC-2011-0653

Journal: Technology and Health Care, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 25-35, 2012