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Colorectal Web

An Evidence-Based Practice

Description

Colorectal Web is an interactive electronic tool promoting colorectal cancer screening. The website presents information on colorectal cancer and various screening options, and is designed to help adults aged 50 or older choose a preferred method of screening. The website uses a simple design with limited text and an emphasis on graphics. Users select and rank three variables that they consider when choosing a screening approach. The preference variables include cost, discomfort, embarrassment, frequency, inaccurate results, inconvenience, need for additional tests, preparation for test, risk, and sedation. The program uses these variables to recommend a screening test that best matches the user's preferences. After the user selects a screening method, they view a video clip of a doctor encouraging them to complete their selected screening.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the Colorectal Web interactive website is to promote colorectal cancer screening.

Impact

Colorectal Web is more effective than a standard colorectal cancer website at prompting previously unscreened individuals to choose a preferred colorectal cancer screening test and to be screened for colorectal cancer.

Results / Accomplishments

In a randomized controlled trial of 174 participants, Colorectal Web users were compared to a control group that used an existing non-interactive colorectal cancer website. Immediately following the intervention, Colorectal Web participants were significantly more likely to have selected a preferred colorectal cancer screening method when compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). At the 24 week follow-up, the Colorectal Web intervention group was significantly more likely to have been screened than the control group (p = 0.035).

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
University of Michigan Health System
Primary Contact
Mack Ruffin
University of Michigan Health System
Department of Family Medicine
1018 Fuller St, SPC 5708
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
734.998.7120
mruffin@umich.edu
http://chcr.umich.edu/project.php?id=997
Topics
Health / Cancer
Organization(s)
University of Michigan Health System
Source
Preventive Medicine
Location
Michigan
For more details
Target Audience
Adults
Healthy Marin