Calls, SMS can increase adherence to FIT CRC screening

Calls, SMS can increase adherence to FIT CRC screening

(HealthDay)—Telephone calls and short message service (SMS) can improve the likelihood of fecal immunochemical test (FIT) pick-up and return, according to a research letter published online May 18 in JAMA Oncology.

Martin C.S. Wong, M.D., M.P.H., from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and colleagues conducted a prospective study involving participants with negative FIT results in the first screening round who were due for annual screening in 2016. Participants were randomized to either a control group who were told in 2015 that they should go for FIT pick-up in the same calendar month of 2016; an SMS group, whose participants received a one-way SMS providing a date for FIT pick-up; or a group that received a call delivering the same message (207, 209, and 205 participants, respectively).

The researchers found that for the control, SMS, and telephone groups, the FIT pick-up rate was 62.3, 78.5, and 89.8 percent, respectively (P < 0.001). Delayed FIT pick-up (one month after the anticipated return date) occurred in 10.6, 6.7, and 3.4 percent of , respectively (P = 0.02). The rate of FIT return was 69.1, 82.8, and 91.2 percent for the control, SMS, and telephone groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The telephone groups had significantly higher FIT pick-up and return rates compared with the SMS group.

"The effectiveness of these strategies on enhancing colonoscopy attendance should be evaluated in future studies," the authors write.

More information: Abstract/ Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Journal information: JAMA Oncology

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Citation: Calls, SMS can increase adherence to FIT CRC screening (2017, May 25) retrieved 29 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-05-sms-adherence-crc-screening.html
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