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Al-Assil T, Kalina C, Laird MC, Olivier RC, Dawood N, Kumar NS, Riordan R, Shebrain S, Dickson C, Munene G. Sheltered yet unscreened: Exploring cancer screening rates and barriers in the unhoused (homeless) population. Am J Surg 2025; 248:116289. [PMID: 40101343 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2025.116289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2025] [Accepted: 03/03/2025] [Indexed: 03/20/2025]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer related mortality amongst the homeless and unhoused has been reported to be significantly higher than the housed population. This study explores cancer screening uptake and barriers in a homeless community in Michigan. METHODS Questionnaires were administered at two homeless shelters focusing on Hepatitis C (HCV), lung, breast, colon, and cervical cancer screenings. RESULTS Amongst 143 participants, rates of screening uptake were lowest for breast cancer (44 %), followed by colorectal cancer (45 %), HCV (55 %), and cervical cancer (79 %). The three most common barriers to receiving screenings were lack of transportation (21.8 %), lack of access to or awareness of screenings (20.5 %), and low prioritization of health compared to other insecurities faced while being homeless (17.9 %). CONCLUSIONS Enhancing the unhoused/homeless community's access to cancer screenings is crucial. High willingness to undergo screenings suggests potential targeted interventions, such as providing transportation tokens and comprehensive educational resources, onsite screenings, and potentially employing social work navigators at shelters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talal Al-Assil
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 300 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Claire Kalina
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 300 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Madison C Laird
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 300 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Ryan C Olivier
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 300 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Nataly Dawood
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 300 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Neya Suresh Kumar
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 300 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Raven Riordan
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 300 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Saad Shebrain
- Department of Surgery, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 1000 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA
| | - Cheryl Dickson
- Department of Health Equity & Community Affairs, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 300 Portage St., Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA
| | - Gitonga Munene
- Department of Surgery, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, 1000 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA; West Michigan Cancer Center, 200 N Park St, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, USA.
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Nieser KJ, Harris AHS, Binswanger IA, Clark SC, Finlay AK. Legal-involved veterans are less likely to receive guideline-concordant colorectal cancer screening. BMC Health Serv Res 2025; 25:333. [PMID: 40038662 PMCID: PMC11877804 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-025-12490-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2025] [Indexed: 03/06/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programs to improve health care for adults with criminal legal involvement, including those who have been released from incarceration in jails or prisons or who are under court or community supervison, understandably focus on treatment for mental illness, drug overdose, and suicide. However, criminal legal-involved adults also have higher risk of developing and dying from medical conditions, such as cancer, relative to the general population. Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among legal-involved adults, particularly those who have been incarcerated, might be delayed or missed. METHODS We conducted an observational study of national Veterans Health Administration (VHA) electronic health record data to compare the CRC screening rate between legal-involved Veterans, identified through their contact with the Veterans Justice Programs, and non-legal-involved Veterans. We included patients ages 46 to 75 eligible for average-risk screening in fiscal year 2022. Our main outcome of guideline-concordant CRC screening included stool-based testing, CT colonography, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. Comparisons were estimated using an unadjusted multilevel logistic regression model with a random intercept for facility. Secondary analyses included examining associations between patient-level factors and screening receipt using adjusted models as well as assessing the variation in screening rates across 129 VHA facilities. RESULTS There were 27,597 legal-involved and 3,467,396 non-legal-involved patients who met screening eligibility. Only 47% of legal-involved patients were up to date with screening, compared to 54% of non-legal-involved patients (OR = 0.77 [95% CI: 0.75 to 0.79]; risk difference = -6.5% [95% CI: -7.1% to -5.9%]). Adjusted odds of screening were higher for patients with an assigned primary care provider (OR = 2.49 [95% CI: 2.48 to 2.51]). Screening rates varied widely across facilities, ranging from 24 to 75% for legal-involved patients and from 30 to 68% for non-legal-involved patients. Legal-involved patients had significantly lower screening rates at 49 facilities and a higher rate at two facilities, compared to non-legal-involved patients. CONCLUSIONS Nearly half of VHA patients were behind on recommended CRC screening, and legal-involved VHA patients had even lower rates. Current VHA efforts to improve legal-involved patients' connection to primary care providers may result in improved screening rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth J Nieser
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research and Education Center, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Alex H S Harris
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Stanford-Surgery Policy Improvement Research and Education Center, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ingrid A Binswanger
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado Permanente Medical Group, Denver, CO, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Health Systems Science, Bernard J. Tyson Kaiser Permanente School of Medicine, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Sean C Clark
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Justice Programs, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrea K Finlay
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center on Homelessness Among Veterans, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- Division of Health Systems Science, Department of Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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Wang K, Wong J, Avilez L, Olazo K, Olanrewaju S, McCulloch CE, Pasick R, Patel S, Somsouk M, Sarkar U. Multilevel intervention for follow-up of abnormal FIT in the safety-net: IMProving Adherence to Colonoscopy through Teams and Technology (IMPACTT). Contemp Clin Trials 2025; 150:107810. [PMID: 39809342 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2025.107810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2024] [Revised: 11/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2025] [Indexed: 01/16/2025]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Wang
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jeanette Wong
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Action Research Center for Health Equity, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Leslie Avilez
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Action Research Center for Health Equity, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kristan Olazo
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Action Research Center for Health Equity, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Samuel Olanrewaju
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Charles E McCulloch
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rena Pasick
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shreya Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ma Somsouk
- Action Research Center for Health Equity, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Urmimala Sarkar
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Action Research Center for Health Equity, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.
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Decker H, Erickson C, Wick E. Addressing Colorectal Cancer Disparities in Unhoused Populations: A Call for Equitable Access and Compassionate Care. Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2025; 38:5-10. [PMID: 39734723 PMCID: PMC11679202 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2024]
Abstract
Housing is essential for health. Unhoused individuals have markedly worse health status than the general population culminating in higher rates of premature mortality. Cancer is a leading cause of death in older unhoused adults. Caring for unhoused patients at risk for or with colorectal cancer poses challenges at every stage of oncologic care: prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. These challenges result in later stages at diagnosis and worse overall survival. Health systems can work to advance health equity in colorectal cancer in unhoused patients by improving access to care, transitions of care, health care quality, and focusing on socioeconomic/environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Decker
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Caroline Erickson
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Elizabeth Wick
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Baggett TP, Sporn N, Barbosa Teixeira J, Rodriguez EC, Anandakugan N, Critchley N, Kennedy E, Hart K, Joyce A, Chang Y, Percac-Lima S, Park ER, Rigotti NA. Patient Navigation for Lung Cancer Screening at a Health Care for the Homeless Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med 2024; 184:892-902. [PMID: 38856994 PMCID: PMC11165412 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.1662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Importance People experiencing homelessness die of lung cancer at rates more than double those in the general population. Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) reduces lung cancer mortality, but the circumstances of homelessness create barriers to LCS participation. Objective To determine whether patient navigation, added to usual care, improved LCS LDCT receipt at a large Health Care for the Homeless (HCH) program. Design, Setting, and Participants This parallel group, pragmatic, mixed-methods randomized clinical trial was conducted at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), a federally qualified HCH program that provides tailored, multidisciplinary care to nearly 10 000 homeless-experienced patients annually. Eligible individuals had a lifetime history of homelessness, had a BHCHP primary care practitioner (PCP), were proficient in English, and met the pre-2022 Medicare coverage criteria for LCS (aged 55-77 years, ≥30 pack-year history of smoking, and smoking within the past 15 years). The study was conducted between November 20, 2020, and March 29, 2023. Intervention Participants were randomized 2:1 to usual BHCHP care either with or without patient navigation. Following a theory-based, patient-centered protocol, the navigator provided lung cancer education, facilitated LCS shared decision-making visits with PCPs, assisted participants in making and attending LCS LDCT appointments, arranged follow-up when needed, and offered tobacco cessation support for current smokers. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was receipt of a 1-time LCS LDCT within 6 months after randomization, with between-group differences assessed by χ2 analysis. Qualitative interviews assessed the perceptions of participants and PCPs about the navigation intervention. Results In all, 260 participants (mean [SD] age, 60.5 [4.7] years; 184 males [70.8%]; 96 non-Hispanic Black participants [36.9%] and 96 non-Hispanic White participants [36.9%]) were randomly assigned to usual care with (n = 173) or without (n = 87) patient navigation. At 6 months after randomization, 75 participants in the patient navigation arm (43.4%) and 8 of those in the usual care-only arm (9.2%) had completed LCS LDCT (P < .001), representing a 4.7-fold difference. Interviews with participants in the patient navigation arm and PCPs identified key elements of the intervention: multidimensional social support provision, care coordination activities, and interpersonal skills of the navigator. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, patient navigation support produced a 4.7-fold increase in 1-time LCS LDCT completion among HCH patients in Boston. Future work should focus on longer-term screening participation and outcomes. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04308226.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis P. Baggett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Institute for Research, Quality & Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nora Sporn
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Joana Barbosa Teixeira
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | | | | | - Natalia Critchley
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Evangeline Kennedy
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Katherine Hart
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Andrea Joyce
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Yuchiao Chang
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sanja Percac-Lima
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elyse R. Park
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nancy A. Rigotti
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Xu M, Yang JY, Meng T. Effectiveness of colonoscopy, immune fecal occult blood testing, and risk-graded screening strategies in colorectal cancer screening. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:2270-2280. [PMID: 39087098 PMCID: PMC11287692 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i7.2270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, and early screening is crucial to improving the survival rate of patients. The combination of colonoscopy and immune fecal occult blood detection has garnered significant attention as a novel method for CRC screening. Colonoscopy and fecal occult blood tests, when combined, can improve screening accuracy and early detection rates, thereby facilitating early intervention and treatment. However, certain risks and costs accompany it, making the establishment of a risk classification model crucial for accurate classification and management of screened subjects. AIM To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of colonoscopy, immune fecal occult blood test (FIT), and risk-graded screening strategies in CRC screening. METHODS Based on the randomized controlled trial of CRC screening in the population conducted by our hospital May 2020 to May 2023, participants who met the requirements were randomly assigned to a colonoscopy group, an FIT group, or a graded screening group at a ratio of 1:2:2 (after risk assessment, the high-risk group received colonoscopy, the low-risk group received an FIT test, and the FIT-positive group received colonoscopy). The three groups received CRC screening with different protocols, among which the colonoscopy group only received baseline screening, and the FIT group and the graded screening group received annual follow-up screening based on baseline screening. The primary outcome was the detection rate of advanced tumors, including CRC and advanced adenoma. The population participation rate, advanced tumor detection rate, and colonoscopy load of the three screening programs were compared. RESULTS A total of 19373 subjects who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled, including 8082 males (41.7%) and 11291 females (58.3%). The mean age was 60.05 ± 6.5 years. Among them, 3883 patients were enrolled in the colonoscopy group, 7793 in the FIT group, and 7697 in the graded screening group. Two rounds of follow-up screening were completed in the FIT group and the graded screening group. The graded screening group (89.2%) and the colonoscopy group (42.3%) had the lowest overall screening participation rates, while the FIT group had the highest (99.3%). The results of the intentional analysis showed that the detection rate of advanced tumors in the colonoscopy group was greater than that of the FIT group [2.76% vs 2.17%, odds ratio (OR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.65, P = 0.037]. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of advanced tumors between the colonoscopy group and the graded screening group (2.76% vs 2.35%, OR = 1.9, 95%CI: 0.93-1.51, P = 0.156), as well as between the graded screening group and the FIT group (2.35% vs 2.17%, OR = 1.09%, 95%CI: 0.88-1.34, P = 0.440). The number of colonoscopy examinations required for each patient with advanced tumors was used as an index to evaluate the colonoscopy load during population screening. The graded screening group had the highest colonoscopy load (15.4 times), followed by the colonoscopy group (10.2 times), and the FIT group had the lowest (7.8 times). CONCLUSION A hierarchical screening strategy based on CRC risk assessment is feasible for screening for CRC in the population. It can be used as an effective supplement to traditional colonoscopy and FIT screening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing-Yi Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Tao Meng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
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Kruse-Diehr AJ, Cegelka D, Holtsclaw E, Edward JS, Vos SC, Karrer M, Bathje K, Rogers M, Russell E, Knight JR. Feasibility and efficacy of a novel audiovisual tool to increase colorectal cancer screening among rural Appalachian Kentucky adults. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1415607. [PMID: 39056077 PMCID: PMC11269215 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1415607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Residents of Appalachian regions in Kentucky experience increased colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. While population-based screening methods, such as fecal immunochemical tests (FITs), can reduce many screening barriers, written instructions to complete FIT can be challenging for some individuals. We developed a novel audiovisual tool ("talking card") to educate and motivate accurate FIT completion and assessed its feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. Materials and methods We collected data on the talking card via: (1) cross-sectional surveys exploring perceptions of images, messaging, and perceived utility; (2) follow-up focus groups centered on feasibility and acceptability; and (3) efficacy testing in community-based FIT distribution events, where we assessed FIT completion rate, number of positive vs. negative screens, demographic characteristics of participants, and primary drivers of FIT completion. Results Across the three study phases, 692 individuals participated. Survey respondents positively identified with the card's sounds and images, found it highly acceptable, and reported high-to-very high self-efficacy and response efficacy for completing FIT, with nearly half noting greater likelihood to complete screening after using the tool. Focus group participants confirmed the acceptability of the individuals featured on the card. Nearly 75% of participants provided a FIT accurately completed it, with most indicating the talking card, either alone or combined with another strategy, helped with completion. Discussion To reduce CRC screening disparities among Appalachian Kentuckians, population-based screening using contextually relevant implementation strategies must be used alongside clinic-based education. The talking card represents a novel and promising strategy to promote screening uptake in both clinical and community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
- Center for Implementation, Dissemination and Evidence-Based Research, University of Kentucky Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Lexington, KY, United States
- Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Derek Cegelka
- Hawaii Pacific University School of Nursing, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | | | - Jean S. Edward
- Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States
- University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Sarah C. Vos
- University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | | - Katie Bathje
- American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Melinda Rogers
- Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States
- Kentucky Cancer Program, Somerset, KY, United States
| | - Elaine Russell
- Kentucky Cancer Consortium, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jennifer Redmond Knight
- Markey Cancer Center, Lexington, KY, United States
- University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, United States
- Kentucky Cancer Consortium, Lexington, KY, United States
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Wang ZM, Pan SP, Zhang JJ, Zhou J. Prediction and analysis of albumin-bilirubin score combined with liver function index and carcinoembryonic antigen on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Surg 2024; 16:1670-1680. [PMID: 38983332 PMCID: PMC11230030 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v16.i6.1670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor, and liver metastasis is one of the main recurrence and metastasis modes that seriously affect patients' survival rate and quality of life. Indicators such as albumin bilirubin (ALBI) score, liver function index, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) have shown some potential in the prediction of liver metastasis but have not been fully explored. AIM To evaluate its predictive value for liver metastasis of CRC by conducting the combined analysis of ALBI, liver function index, and CEA, and to provide a more accurate liver metastasis risk assessment tool for clinical treatment guidance. METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with CRC who received surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2018 to July 2023 and were followed up for 24 months. According to the follow-up results, the enrolled patients were divided into a liver metastasis group and a nonliver metastasis group and randomly divided into a modeling group and a verification group at a ratio of 2:1. The risk factors for liver metastasis in patients with CRC were analyzed, a prediction model was constructed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression, internal validation was performed by the bootstrap method, the reliability of the prediction model was evaluated by subject-work characteristic curves, calibration curves, and clinical decision curves, and a column graph was drawn to show the prediction results. RESULTS Of 130 patients were enrolled in the modeling group and 65 patients were enrolled in the verification group out of the 195 patients with CRC who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Through LASSO regression variable screening and logistic regression analysis. The ALBI score, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and CEA were found to be independent predictors of liver metastases in CRC patients [odds ratio (OR) = 8.062, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.545-25.540], (OR = 1.037, 95%CI: 1.004-1.071) and (OR = 1.025, 95%CI: 1.008-1.043). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the combined prediction of CRLM in the modeling group was 0.921, with a sensitivity of 78.0% and a specificity of 95.0%. The H-index was 0.921, and the H-L fit curve had χ2 = 0.851, a P value of 0.654, and a slope of the calibration curve approaching 1. This indicates that the model is extremely accurate, and the clinical decision curve demonstrates that it can be applied effectively in the real world. We conducted internal verification of one thousand resamplings of the modeling group data using the bootstrap method. The AUC was 0.913, while the accuracy was 0.869 and the kappa consistency was 0.709. The combination prediction of liver metastasis in patients with CRC in the verification group had an AUC of 0.918, sensitivity of 85.0%, specificity of 95.6%, C-index of 0.918, and an H-L fitting curve with χ 2 = 0.586, P = 0.746. CONCLUSION The ALBI score, ALT level, and CEA level have a certain value in predicting liver metastasis in patients with CRC. These three criteria exhibit a high level of efficacy in forecasting liver metastases in patients diagnosed with CRC. The risk prediction model developed in this work shows great potential for practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Mei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shu-Ping Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Feicheng People’s Hospital, Feicheng 271600, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhang
- Department of Anus and Intestine Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong Province, China
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9
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Asgary R. Cancer care and treatment during homelessness. Lancet Oncol 2024; 25:e84-e90. [PMID: 38301706 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(23)00567-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness have not yet benefited from the substantial progress made in managing cancers, including advances in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgical interventions, multidisciplinary team approaches, and integrated cancer care models. People experiencing homelessness are at higher risks of developing cancers and their mortality due to cancer is twice that of the general population. Potential interventions to improve access to cancer treatment include alliances and active engagement with community organisations and shelters, cancer case management and peer-to-peer support, mHealth and navigation strategies, tailored hospital discharge to adult group homes, well equipped subacute rehabilitation centres, and specialised shelters and respite housing to assure appropriate follow-up care. Other interventions include improving preventive care, expanding data, targeted policy efforts, and broader housing advocacy. In this Personal View, I discuss challenges and opportunities in cancer treatment, with a review of the current evidence on potential interventions, and highlight strategies to improve access to cancer care for homeless populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Asgary
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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Jeleff M, Haider S, Schiffler T, Gil-Salmerón A, Yang L, Barreto Schuch F, Grabovac I. Cancer risk factors and access to cancer prevention services for people experiencing homelessness. Lancet Public Health 2024; 9:e128-e146. [PMID: 38307679 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00298-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is one of the most pressing global health issues, and populations with complex needs, such as people experiencing homelessness, have higher cancer incidence and mortality rates compared with the housed population. We mapped the evidence on cancer risk factors as well as barriers and facilitators to cancer prevention services among people experiencing homelessness, which is key to localising research gaps and identifying strategies for tailored interventions adapted to people experiencing homelessness. The results of 40 studies contribute to an understanding of the dynamic, interactive factors at different levels that determine access to cancer prevention services: socioeconomic, psychological, and physical factors (individual level); practical support and relational loops between health-care providers and people experiencing homelessness (interpersonal level); housing and regular medical care (system level); and interventions to facilitate access to cancer prevention (policy level). Furthermore, studies reported higher prevalence of various cancer-associated risk factors among people experiencing homelessness with the most common being tobacco use, ranging from 26% to 73%. The results show the importance of interventions to facilitate cancer prevention services through social support and low-threshold interventions (eg, navigation programmes), and training health-care staff in creating supportive and trusting environments that increase the likelihood of the continuity of care among people experiencing homelessness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maren Jeleff
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sandra Haider
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Tobias Schiffler
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alejandro Gil-Salmerón
- International Foundation for Integrated Care, Oxford, UK; International University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Cancer Care Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada; Department of Oncology and Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Felipe Barreto Schuch
- Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil; Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Chile
| | - Igor Grabovac
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Driscoll DL, O'Donnell H, Patel M, Cattell-Gordon DC. Assessing and Addressing the Determinants of Appalachian Population Health: A Scoping Review. JOURNAL OF APPALACHIAN HEALTH 2023; 5:85-102. [PMID: 38784141 PMCID: PMC11110904 DOI: 10.13023/jah.0503.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Residents of Appalachia experience elevated rates of morbidity and mortality compared to national averages, and these disparities are associated with inequitable exposures to various determinants of population health. Social and environmental determinants of health are a useful lens through which to develop and evaluate programs to mitigate regional health disparities. Methods This 2023 scoping review was conducted of studies linking determinants of Appalachian health with leading causes of regional mortality and morbidity. The search strategy employed a keyword search that included geographic terms for the Appalachian Region and the primary adverse health outcomes in that region. Studies meeting the following inclusion criteria were reviewed: original article, published in the last five years, involving an Appalachian population, and includes a rigorous assessment of an association between a population health determinant and one or more leading causes of Appalachian morbidity and mortality. Results The search returned 221 research articles, including 30 interventional studies. The top three health outcomes included cancer (43.59%), diseases of despair (23.08%), and diabetes (12.82). Access to care (27.3%), rurality (18.9%), and education (14.8%) were the most common population health determinants identified. Interventional studies were categorized by program types: education, technology, partnerships, and multilevel interventions. Due to the heterogeneity of study types, the studies were combined using a narrative synthesis. Implications The results of this work can inform the development and evaluation of additional programs to promote Appalachian population health. Our study team will use these results to inform community-based discussions that develop strategic plans to mitigate health disparities in Central and Southcentral Appalachian Virginia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David C Cattell-Gordon
- Center for Telehealth at the University of Virginia (retired); ThreadEx Consulting LLC (current)
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12
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Breedlove SR, McCraney P, Chalmers S. A patient reminder to improve colorectal cancer screenings. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2023; 35:386-391. [PMID: 36857537 DOI: 10.1097/jxx.0000000000000840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer screenings detect the early, treatable, and often curable stages of the disease. Screenings are now recommended beginning at 45 years of age. Health care providers are expected to have patient's complete screenings, and reimbursement rates can be affected if results are not documented. LOCAL PROBLEM An independent review of expected organizational core measures revealed inadequate colorectal cancer screenings completed and no formal patient outreach program for patients who had not completed ordered screenings. The lack of a formal reminder to patients resulted in a cumulative completion rate of 19%. METHODS A phone call intervention was designed to notify patients of the need to complete colorectal cancer screenings. A preimplementation and postimplementation design was used to compare completed colorectal cancer screenings. INTERVENTION Patients with ordered colorectal cancer screenings received one reminder phone call to complete the screening. Preintervention and postintervention completion rates were evaluated using data from the electronic medical record. RESULTS Results revealed a colorectal cancer screening rate of 19% preimplementation and 43% postimplementation and reflected a 61.9% increase in cumulative completion rates over a 12-week intervention period. CONCLUSION The colorectal cancer patient reminder intervention showed clinical significance in improving completion rates of colorectal cancer screenings. The intervention was a successful method to improve patient compliance with the expected screening and helped improve provider core measure expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Rene' Breedlove
- Department of Nursing, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, Georgia, Piedmont Healthcare, Commerce and Homer, Georgia
| | - Paige McCraney
- Department of Nursing, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, Georgia, Rising Medical Solutions, Care Management, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sharon Chalmers
- Department of Nursing, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, Georgia
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Hollenberg E, Bani-Fatemi A, Durbin A, Castle D, Kozloff N, Ziegler C, Stergiopoulos V. Using financial incentives to improve health service engagement and outcomes of adults experiencing homelessness: A scoping review of the literature. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:e3406-e3434. [PMID: 35912903 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness (PEH) have high rates of acute and chronic health conditions, complex support needs and often face multiple barriers to accessing health services. Financial incentive (FI) interventions have been found effective in improving service engagement and health outcomes for a range of health conditions, populations and settings, but little is known about their impact on PEH. We conducted a scoping review to explore the impact of FI interventions on treatment retention, adherence and other health outcomes of PEH. We searched seven electronic databases from inception to September 2021 to identify peer-reviewed published English language studies that used FI interventions with adult PEH. A scoping review methodology was used to chart relevant data uniformly. Descriptive statistics and narrative syntheses were used to describe outcomes. Thirty-three quantitative articles related to 29 primary studies were published between 1990 and 2021 and met inclusion criteria. Studies targeted three areas of health behaviour change: decreasing substance use or increasing abstinence rates, preventing or treating infectious diseases or promoting lifestyle/general health goal attainment. A variety of FIs were used (cash/non-cash, escalating/fixed schedule, larger/smaller amounts, some/all behaviours rewarded, certain/uncertain reward) across studies. Twenty-six of the primary studies reported significantly better outcomes for the participants receiving FI compared to controls. There were mixed findings about the efficacy of cash versus non-cash FIs, non-cash FIs versus other interventions and higher versus lower value of incentives. Furthermore, there was limited research about long-term outcomes and impacts. FIs have promise in increasing abstinence from substances, engagement in infectious disease treatment, retention in health services and general lifestyle modifications for PEH. Future research should examine long-term impacts and the contribution of co-interventions and intermediary lifestyle behaviour changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Hollenberg
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ali Bani-Fatemi
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Durbin
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Castle
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Kozloff
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Vicky Stergiopoulos
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Subramanian S, Tangka FKL, Hoover S, DeGroff A. Integrated interventions and supporting activities to increase uptake of multiple cancer screenings: conceptual framework, determinants of implementation success, measurement challenges, and research priorities. Implement Sci Commun 2022; 3:105. [PMID: 36199098 PMCID: PMC9532830 DOI: 10.1186/s43058-022-00353-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer has been shown to reduce mortality; however, not all men and women are screened in the USA. Further, there are disparities in screening uptake by people from racial and ethnic minority groups, people with low income, people who lack health insurance, and those who lack access to care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funds two programs-the Colorectal Cancer Control Program and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program-to help increase cancer screenings among groups that have been economically and socially marginalized. The goal of this manuscript is to describe how programs and their partners integrate evidence-based interventions (e.g., patient reminders) and supporting activities (e.g., practice facilitation to optimize electronic medical records) across colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings, and we suggest research areas based on implementation science. METHODS We conducted an exploratory assessment using qualitative and quantitative data to describe implementation of integrated interventions and supporting activities for cancer screening. We conducted 10 site visits and follow-up telephone interviews with health systems and their partners to inform the integration processes. We developed a conceptual model to describe the integration processes and reviewed screening recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force to illustrate challenges in integration. To identify factors important in program implementation, we asked program implementers to rank domains and constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. RESULTS Health systems integrated interventions for all screenings across single and multiple levels. Although potentially efficient, there were challenges due to differing eligibility of screenings by age, gender, frequency, and location of services. Program implementers ranked complexity, cost, implementation climate, and engagement of appropriate staff in implementation among the most important factors to success. CONCLUSION Integrating interventions and supporting activities to increase uptake of cancer screenings could be an effective and efficient approach, but we currently do not have the evidence to recommend widescale adoption. Detailed multilevel measures related to process, screening, and implementation outcomes, and cost are required to evaluate integrated programs. Systematic studies can help to ascertain the benefits of integrating interventions and supporting activities for multiple cancer screenings, and we suggest research areas that might address current gaps in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujha Subramanian
- grid.62562.350000000100301493RTI International, 307 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 101, Waltham, MA 02452-8413 USA
| | - Florence K. L. Tangka
- grid.416781.d0000 0001 2186 5810Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Sonja Hoover
- grid.62562.350000000100301493RTI International, 307 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 101, Waltham, MA 02452-8413 USA
| | - Amy DeGroff
- grid.416781.d0000 0001 2186 5810Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA USA
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Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance in Homeless Patients: A Case Report and Policy Recommendations. ANNALS OF SURGERY OPEN 2022; 3. [PMID: 36187331 PMCID: PMC9511985 DOI: 10.1097/as9.0000000000000183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients experiencing homelessness face significant barriers to screening and treatment for colorectal cancer, leading to worse outcomes. In this perspective, we use an exemplar patient case to highlight potential policy solutions for reducing this health care disparity by increasing access to early detection and treatment in this population.
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Zoellner JM, Porter KJ, Thatcher E, Allanson D, Brauns M. Improving Fecal Immunochemical Test Return Rates: A Colorectal Cancer Screening Quality Improvement Project in a Multisite Federally Qualified Health Center. Health Promot Pract 2022:15248399221083294. [PMID: 35382617 DOI: 10.1177/15248399221083294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this quality improvement project was to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates in a multicenter federally qualified health center (FQHC) within the Central Appalachian region of rural, southwestern Virginia. Guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, the objectives were to (1) evaluate implementation processes and effectiveness of an automated electronic medical record patient reminder system to promote fecal immunochemical test (FIT) completion, compared with live telephone reminders delivered by a care coordinator (i.e., usual care), and (2) explore staff perceptions related to improving CRC screening rates. In total, 119 FITs were distributed with 59 assigned to usual care and 60 to the automated groups. In the usual care group, 79% patients with completed protocol returned their FIT; 9% were positive. In the automated reminder group, 76% patients with completed protocol returned their FIT; 10% were positive. There was no significant difference in the number of contacts per patients between the usual care (2.0, SD = 0.82 contacts/patient) and automated (1.8, SD = 0.98 contacts/patient) groups (p = .248). In total, the usual care and automated groups required 56 and 17 live calls, respectively. Overall, FQHC system-wide CRC screening rates increase from 30.5% to 47.3%. Ten staff interviews revealed perceptions of CRC screening, the QI project, and organizational change processes that may inform future cancer control projects. Researcher and practitioners should consider PDSA quality improvement projects as an initial step to build capacity and improve CRC screening rates, especially when working in FQHC with limited resources to engage in large complex research projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie M Zoellner
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | | | - Dylan Allanson
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Michelle Brauns
- Community Health Center of the New River Valley, Christiansburg, VA, USA
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Baggett TP, Barbosa Teixeira J, Rodriguez EC, Anandakugan N, Sporn N, Chang Y, Percac-Lima S, Park ER, Rigotti NA. Patient navigation to promote lung cancer screening in a community health center for people experiencing homelessness: Protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 113:106666. [PMID: 34971796 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is a major cause of death among people experiencing homelessness, with mortality rates more than double those in the general population. Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) could reduce lung cancer deaths in this population, although the circumstances of homelessness present multiple barriers to LCS LDCT completion. Patient navigation is a promising strategy for overcoming these barriers. METHODS The Investigating Navigation to Help Advance Lung Equity (INHALE) Study is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of patient navigation for LCS among individuals receiving primary care at Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP). Three hundred BHCHP patients who meet Medicare/Medicaid criteria for LCS will be randomized 2:1 to usual care with (n = 200) or without (n = 100) LCS navigation. Following a structured, theory-based protocol, the patient navigator assists with each step in the LCS process, providing lung cancer education, facilitating shared decision-making visits with primary care providers (PCPs), assisting in making and attending LCS LDCT appointments, arranging follow-up when needed, and offering tobacco cessation support for smokers. The primary outcome is receipt of LCS LDCT at 6 months. Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach, qualitative interviews with participants and PCPs will aid in interpreting and contextualizing the trial results. DISCUSSION This trial will produce the first experimental evidence on patient navigation for cancer screening in a homeless health care setting. Results could inform cancer health equity efforts at the 299 Health Care for the Homeless programs that serve over 900,000 patients annually in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis P Baggett
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America; Institute for Research, Quality & Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, MA, United States of America.
| | - Joana Barbosa Teixeira
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Elijah C Rodriguez
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Nillani Anandakugan
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Nora Sporn
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Yuchiao Chang
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Sanja Percac-Lima
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Elyse R Park
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Nancy A Rigotti
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States of America; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
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Tangka FKL, Subramanian S, Hoover S, DeGroff A, Joseph D, Wong FL, Richardson LC. Economic Evaluation of Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening at Federally Qualified Health Centers. Health Promot Pract 2020; 21:877-883. [PMID: 32990042 DOI: 10.1177/1524839920954168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a long-standing commitment to increase colorectal cancer (CRC) screening for vulnerable populations. In 2005, the CDC began a demonstration in five states and, with lessons learned, launched a national program, the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP), in 2009. The CRCCP continues today and its current emphasis is the implementation of evidence-based interventions to promote CRC screening. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of four CRCCP awardees and their federally qualified health center partners as an introduction to the accompanying series of research briefs where we present individual findings on impacts of evidence-based interventions on CRC screening uptake for each awardee. We also include in this article the conceptual framework used to guide our research. Our findings contribute to the evidence base and guide future program implementation to improve sustainability, increase CRC screening, and address disparities in screening uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amy DeGroff
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Djenaba Joseph
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Faye L Wong
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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