GetFIT FOR CRC: EVALUATION OF AN NP-LED PROGRAM TO IMPROVE CRC SCREENING IN PRIMARY CARE

Purpose: To perform a program evaluation using retrospective data from the GetFIT for CRC program implemented at a group of primary care clinics in Southern California. This program aimed to improve annual FIT (fecal immunochemical testing) compliance for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Background: The U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on CRC suggests60% FIT completion rate as a key quality metric; however, at this group of primary care clinics the average FIT completion rate was 45.8% for adults aged 50-75. Methods: Using the Logic Model framework, this program evaluation focused on assessing changes produced by strategies utilized in the program through evaluation of CRC screening rates, effectiveness of reminders, and patient satisfaction with the new process. The program implemented enhanced provider recommendation for screening, patient given test in office, brief education highlighting the importance of screening, incorporated simplified language instructions for collection, instructions handed to patients by nursing staff, reduced steps to complete FIT, and initiated reminder calls/texts. Results: Compared to the 2019 average FIT completion rate of 45.8% (N=240), the completion rates increased to 65.4% (N=561) six months postimplementation, indicating the program was successful based on IHI rules for special cause variation on the control chart. Patient satisfaction scores averaged 8.75 to 8.97 on a Likert scale of one(lowest) to ten (highest), indicating high satisfaction with the process. Phone call (N=462) and text reminders (N=488) were not shown to improve screening completion rates. Implications: The GetFIT for CRC program was successful in increasing CRC screening compliance via FIT.