Trial Information

Improving Followup of Positive Fecal Occult Blood Tests

Screening programs using the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) have demonstrated a significant
reduction in colorectal cancer mortality, although only when accompanied by a complete
diagnostic evaluation of the colon in the setting of a positive result. 90% of patients
with a positive FOBT result have completed a subsequent colonoscopy within Harvard Vanguard
Medical Associates. This project will use a pre-post study design to increase the rate of
followup colonoscopy in the setting of positive FOBT results. Patients in the intervention
group will receive a personalized mailing highlighting their positive result and need for
colonoscopy, followed by telephone outreach from a centralized gastroenterology scheduling
office. The primary outcome will be the performance of colonoscopy, however we will also
perform chart reviews to identify predictors of completing appropriate followup.