Multilevel intervention for follow-up of abnormal FIT in the safety-net: IMProving Adherence to Colonoscopy through Teams and Technology (IMPACTT)

Background

Fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) is a widely used first step for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Abnormal FIT results require a colonoscopy for screening completion and CRC diagnosis, but the rate of timely colonoscopy is low, especially among patients in safety-net settings. Multi-level factors at the clinic- and patient-levels influence colonoscopy completion after an abnormal FIT. Our study aims to implement a multi-level approach consisting of a clinic- and patient-level intervention to improve the completion of diagnostic colonoscopy after an abnormal FIT.

Methods

We will test a multilevel intervention with one safety-net system across 12 primary care clinics – a clinic-level intervention using a stepped wedge design and a patient-level intervention with patient-level randomization. At the clinic level, we will implement a “best practices bundle” to improve workflow for primary care providers and staff using a stepped-wedge design. At the patient level, we will randomize 2000 patients to receive text messages and call reminders or usual care.

Results

For the main analysis, we will use a mixed effects logistic model to assess the impact of the clinic intervention on the primary outcome (completion of colonoscopy within 180 days after abnormal FIT). Secondary outcomes include median days to colonoscopy completion, rate of referral to colonoscopy at 42 days, rate of scheduled colonoscopy at 56 days, and bowel preparation quality at colonoscopy.

Discussion

This study will assess the extent to which a multi-level intervention can improve timely colonoscopy completion in a diverse patient population cared for in a safety-net setting.

Trial registration

NCT, NCT06191185. Registered 20 December 2023, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06191185.