BOWEL SCOPE SCREENING: INTERVENTIONS TO INCREASE UPTAKE IN YORKSHIRE
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using primary care to increase uptake of the Bowel Scope Screening Programme in Yorkshire: evaluating paper and telephone based interventions
IRAS ID
225268
Contact name
Lesley McGregor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2017/08/37 , UCL Data Protection
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 30 days
Research summary
Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in England. Bowel scope screening (BSS) can prevent bowel cancer by removing pre-cancerous growths within the bowel before they become cancerous. Previous research has shown that BSS can lower a person’s risk of getting bowel cancer by a third and their risk of dying from bowel cancer by half. The NHS in England now offers BSS to 55 year olds registered with a general practice (GP); however, uptake is low, particularly within more deprived areas. For this study, we will aim to answer the question: Can GP practice based interventions help increase uptake of BSS in Hull and other parts of Yorkshire? Over a 6 month period, individuals due to receive their NHS BSS invitation (identified through GPs) will be randomly be assigned to one of three groups with attendance monitored and compared between groups:
1) Usual care: no contact from GPs.
2) Primer and self-referral letter: A letter advising of the future delivery of a BSS invitation will be sent by the individual’s GP, along with a locally tailored leaflet explaining the test. If the practice receives notice that an individual did not attend their appointment, a letter highlighting the self-referral process will be sent.
3) Primer and patient navigation: As above, a letter and leaflet will be sent ahead of the NHS BSS invitation. If the practice receives notice that an individual did not attend their appointment, a call to the individual will be made. This call will aim to identify and address personal barriers to uptake and, if appropriate, help arrange a new appointment. If no telephone contact is possible, a self-referral letter will be sent.
These interventions have the potential to increase BSS uptake and thereby reduce the number of bowel cancers diagnosed in Yorkshire.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1723
Date of REC Opinion
26 Dec 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion