A simple phone call and mailed letter could serve as an adequate reminder system for patients who are due for a follow-up colonoscopy, according to research results published in Gastroenterology.
For the study, 830 patients due for a follow-up colonoscopy were assigned to one of two groups. One group of patients received the standard of care, and the other group was part of a follow-up system that included a letter to the primary care provider, two letters to the patient and a call to patients who had not yet scheduled an examination by the procedure due date.
Results showed 241 patients in the follow-up system had procedures scheduled or completed, compared with 66 patients in the control group. The follow-up system was especially effective among minority patients.
Read the study about a reminder system for routine colonoscopy.
Read other coverage about colonoscopy:
- Harvard Experts Debate Benefits of Colorectal Cancer Screening Modalities
- Detection of Premalignant Colon Polyps Stable Throughout Workday Under Certain Conditions
- Position Changes During Colonoscope Withdrawal Can Increase Adenoma Detection Rate
For the study, 830 patients due for a follow-up colonoscopy were assigned to one of two groups. One group of patients received the standard of care, and the other group was part of a follow-up system that included a letter to the primary care provider, two letters to the patient and a call to patients who had not yet scheduled an examination by the procedure due date.
Results showed 241 patients in the follow-up system had procedures scheduled or completed, compared with 66 patients in the control group. The follow-up system was especially effective among minority patients.
Read the study about a reminder system for routine colonoscopy.
Read other coverage about colonoscopy:
- Harvard Experts Debate Benefits of Colorectal Cancer Screening Modalities
- Detection of Premalignant Colon Polyps Stable Throughout Workday Under Certain Conditions
- Position Changes During Colonoscope Withdrawal Can Increase Adenoma Detection Rate