Electronic patient messages to promote colorectal cancer screening: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality, yet effective screening tests are often underused. Electronic patient messages and personalized risk assessments delivered via an electronic personal health record could increase screening rates.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in 14 ambulatory health centers involving 1103 patients ranging in age from 50 to 75 years with an active electronic personal health record who were overdue for colorectal cancer screening. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a single electronic message highlighting overdue screening status with a link to a Web-based tool to assess their personal risk of colorectal cancer. The outcomes included colorectal cancer screening rates at 1 and 4 months.

Results<

SUBMITTER: Sequist TD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3169179 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature