Testing Interventions to Increase Participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

Strategic Insights -

The University of Melbourne has registered a clinical trial to determine the effectiveness of two interventions in increasing participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) among persistent never-screeners. The trial, which targets adults over 50 in Australia who have never returned a bowel screening kit, aims to identify the most effective way to encourage screening participation. The trial will randomly assign 60,000 eligible participants to one of three arms, each with a different approach to invitation and kit provision.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trial is designed to test two interventions aimed at increasing participation in the NBCSP among persistent never-screeners.
  • Trial Arm 1 involves sending a modified pre-invitation letter with personalized information and a QR code for additional details.
  • Trial Arm 2 involves sending a screening kit with a revised invitation-to-screen material, including a modified invitation letter and a modified outer envelope highlighting importance and accessibility.
  • The trial will monitor website visits using Google Analytics for Trial Arm 2's website, which has been developed specifically for the study.
  • The trial will track the number of NBCSP kits requested and returned to determine adherence to each intervention.
  • The interventions aim to address common barriers to screening participation, providing personalized and accessible information to participants.
  • The trial has a sample size of 60,000 people, with 20,000 people in each of the three arms.

Statistics:

  • Sample size: 60,000 people, with 20,000 people in each of the three arms.
  • Age range: adults over 50 in Australia.
  • Number of participants who have never returned a bowel screening kit: 60,000.
  • Timeframe: six months from the time the last kit has been sent out.
  • Website visits: tracked using Google Analytics for Trial Arm 2's website.

Sources:

  • Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR)
  • https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=389433&isReview=true
  • University of Melbourne
  • Camperdown, Australia, Aug. 12