Colorectal Cancer Screening Project | 2023-8_Screening Navigation and Implementation in Action

Pdf Summary

The presentation by Paul Limburg, Chief Medical Officer of Screening at Exact Sciences, focused on various topics related to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. It highlighted the challenge of CRC screening non-adherence and the role of navigation support in improving screening rates. The presentation also discussed the outreach innovations implemented by Exact Sciences to enhance the patient experience and increase adherence to noninvasive screening options.<br /><br />Navigation support was emphasized as an essential component in advancing health equity, particularly among disadvantaged populations. Exact Sciences' Patient Navigation Program was found to significantly increase adherence to the Cologuard multi-target stool DNA (mt-sDNA) test through proactive outreach and communication with patients.<br /><br />The presentation emphasized that screening for CRC is a lifelong journey, and even after completing the mt-sDNA test, patients need to be reminded and encouraged to undergo screening again at the appropriate intervals. Exact Sciences' Patient Navigation Program continues to provide routine outreach to ensure patients are aware of when they should be screened again.<br /><br />Exact Sciences also highlighted their efforts to enhance the patient experience through a digital health portal, personalized resources and support, and engagement via text messages and email reminders. They implemented convenience and communication strategies, such as at-home kit pickup service and concise sample collection and return instructions. Collaborative efforts with health systems and community organizations were also mentioned to promote health equity and reach vulnerable populations.<br /><br />The presentation concluded by presenting the next-generation mt-sDNA test, which showed promising results in terms of sensitivity and specificity for colorectal cancer screening. The technology is still under development and has not been cleared or approved by regulatory authorities.<br /><br />Overall, the presentation focused on the importance of navigation support, innovative outreach strategies, and ongoing efforts to improve screening rates and promote health equity in CRC screening.

Asset Subtitle

Paul Limburg, MD

Keywords

Colorectal cancer screening

CRC screening non-adherence

Navigation support

Screening rates

Outreach innovations

Patient experience

Health equity

Patient Navigation Program

Digital health portal

Next-generation mt-sDNA test