Comparative effectiveness of two pharmacy-based colorectal cancer screening interventions during an annual influenza vaccination campaign.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of two different pharmacy-based colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) interventions taking place during an annual influenza vaccination campaign.


METHODS
Time-randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
San Francisco, CA, in late 2008.


METHODS
133 adults aged 50 to 80 years visiting a pharmacy during an influenza vaccination campaign and also due for CRCS.


METHODS
On five dates, eligible patients were provided education and encouraged to obtain screening from their primary care clinician. On 17 dates, a home fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for CRCS was provided. A 16-item questionnaire was administered by phone 3 to 6 months after study enrollment.


METHODS
Self-reported CRCS activity, comparing CRCS completion rates for participants provided with the FIT versus those provided with education and encouragement to obtain screening from patients' primary care clinician.


RESULTS
86 participants in the FIT arm and 28 the CRCS education arm were interviewed. Interviews revealed that 19.8% of the FIT group and 50% of the CRCS education group discussed CRCS with their primary care clinician (P = 0.002). Of these participants, 59.3% in the FIT arm and 14.8% in the CRCS education arm reported completing screening (P < 0.001). Of participants in the FIT group, 52.2% completed FIT dispensed to them by the investigators. Most participants in both groups reported interest in receiving CRCS education and home CRCS tests from pharmacists in the future.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacy patients are receptive to CRCS interventions delivered in community pharmacies. Providing FIT to eligible patients during a pharmacy-based influenza vaccination campaign increases screening rates more than CRCS education alone.
Potter
Michael B
MB
School of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco, USA. potterm@fcm.ucsf.edu
Gildengorin
Ginny
G
Wang
Yinan
Y
Wu
May
M
Kroon
Lisa
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002140:California; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007252:Influenza Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D009780:Occult Blood; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010594:Pharmacies / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D007252:Influenza Vaccines