We are investigating whether a mailed reminder, with instructions on how to book an appointment, can facilitate uptake of flexible sigmoidoscopy (bowel scope) screening in previous non-participants Cancer
Conditions
Interventions
Trial Arm 1: Control (i.e. usual care, which is invitation to participate in BSS at 55 only - participants randomly allocated to this arm of the study will not receive anything additional to usual car
Sponsors
University College London Joint Research Office
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Adults who meet the study-specific eligibility criteria (listed below) will be identified on the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme’s in-house IT system, BCSS (Bowel Cancer Screening System) by a member of the direct patient care team at St. Marks' Hospital: 1. Must be 56-58 years of age at the time they are enrolled in the study 2. Must be registered with a GP practice served by the St Marks BCSC (i.e. a GP practicce in the London Boroughs of Brent and Harrow) 3. Must have previously been offered, but not attended, a routine BSS appointment at least one year ago. 4. Must meet the clinical eligibility criteria for BSS (see exclusion criteria, below)
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: Exclusion Criteria: The St Marks BCSC will exclude any individuals who do not meet the clinical-specific criteria for BSS (as listed below) from the study. These include: 1. Individuals who have had their large bowel removed 2. Individuals who have a stoma bag to collect their stool 3. Individuals currently being treated (for example, with steroids) for inflammatory bowel disease (i.e. ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease) 4. Individuals who are awaiting heart surgery or who have had heart surgery in the last three months
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Uptake in each of the trial arms 2. Uptake in each trial arm between genders 3. Uptake after one round of 'annual reminders' 4. Uptake after two rounds of 'annual reminders' | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| 1. Patient preferences for a same sex practitioner by gender 2. Reasons for previously not participating in BSS 3. Reasons for participating in BSS on this occasion | — |
Countries
United Kingdom
Outcome results
None listed