Improving Retention in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Interventions: An Analysis of Completion Rates across a Multi-Site Trial with Refugee, Migrant, and Host Communities in Latin America

Research on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions within refugee and migrant communities has increasingly focused on evaluating implementation, including identifying strategies to promote retention in services. This study examines the relationship between participant characteristics, study setting, and reasons for intervention noncompletion using data from the Entre Nosotras feasibility trial, a community-based MHPSS intervention targeting refugee, migrant, and host community women in Ecuador and Panama that aimed to promote psychosocial wellbeing. Among 225 enrolled women, approximately half completed the intervention, with varying completion rates and reasons for nonattendance across study sites. Participants who were older, had migrated for family reasons, had spent more time in the study community, and were living in Panamá (vs. Ecuador) were more likely to complete the intervention. The findings suggest the need to adapt MHPSS interventions to consider the duration of access to the target population and explore different delivery modalities including the role of technology and cellular devices as reliable or unreliable source for engaging with participants. Engaging younger, newly arrived women is crucial, as they showed lower completion rates. Strategies such as consulting scheduling preferences, providing on-site childcare, and integrating MHPSS interventions with other programs could enhance intervention attendance.

Effectiveness and safety of recombinant zoster vaccine: A review of real-world evidence

The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) was licensed in the US for prevention of herpes zoster (HZ) in 2017. We conducted a literature search (January 1, 2017-August 1, 2023) using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to consolidate the real-world evidence related to RZV. Overall, RZV effectiveness against HZ was high across the studied populations in real-world settings, including adults aged ≥ 50 years and patients aged ≥ 18 years with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression. Effectiveness was higher with two doses versus one dose, especially in elderly people and immunocompromised individuals. The safety profile of RZV was broadly consistent with that established in clinical trials. RZV does not appear to increase the risk of disease flares in patients with immune-mediated diseases. Approximately two-thirds of individuals received a second RZV dose within 2-6 months after the first dose. Collectively, RZV effectiveness against HZ was high, and these real-world studies reaffirm its favorable benefit-risk profile.

First trimester anatomy ultrasound for patients with obesity: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Second-trimester ultrasound is the standard technique for fetal anatomy evaluation in the United States despite international guidelines and literature that suggest that first-trimester timing may be superior in patients with obesity. First-trimester imaging performs well in cohorts of participants with obesity.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to compare the completion rate of a first-trimester fetal anatomy ultrasound scan with that of a second-trimester fetal anatomy ultrasound scan among pregnant people with a body mass index ≥35 kg/m2.

STUDY DESIGN

This randomized controlled trial enrolled participants with a body mass index ≥35 kg/m2 with a singleton gestation and who presented before 14+0/7 weeks of gestation. Participants were randomized to receive an ultrasound assessment of anatomy at either 12+0/7 to 13+6/7 weeks or at 18+0/7 to 22+6/7 weeks. The primary outcome was completion rate (percentage of scans that optimally imaged all the required fetal structures). Secondary outcomes included the necessity of a transvaginal approach, completion rates for each individual view, number of anomalies identified and missed in each group, scan duration, and patient perspectives. A 1-year pilot sample was analyzed using Bayesian methods for the primary outcome with a neutral prior and frequentist analyses for the remaining outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 128 participants were enrolled, and 1 withdrew consent; 62 subjects underwent a first-trimester ultrasound scan and 62 underwent a second-trimester ultrasound scan. A total of 2 participants did not attend the research visits, and 1 sought termination of pregnancy. In the first-trimester group, 66% (41/62) of ultrasound scans were completed in comparison with 53% (33/62) in the second-trimester ultrasound group (Bayesian relative risk, 1.20; 95% credible interval, 0.91-1.73). When compared with a second-trimester scan plus a follow-up ultrasound, a first-trimester ultrasound plus a second-trimester ultrasound was equally successful in completing the anatomy views (76%). First-trimester anatomy ultrasound scans required a transvaginal approach in 63% (39/62) of cases and had a longer duration than a second-trimester ultrasound scan. No anomalies were missed in either group. First-trimester ultrasound participants who responded to a survey described that they were very satisfied with the technique.

CONCLUSION

In pregnant subjects with a body mass index ≥35 kg/m2, a single first-trimester anatomy ultrasound scan was more likely to obtain all the recommended anatomic views than a single second-trimester ultrasound scan. An evaluation of anatomy at 12+0/7 to 13+6/7 weeks' gestation plus an evaluation at 18+0/7 to 22+6/7 led to complete anatomic evaluation 4 weeks earlier than 2 second trimester scans. Assessment of ultrasound duration in a clinical setting is needed to ensure feasibility outside of a research setting.

Clinical utility of colon capsule endoscopy: a moving target?

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of white light colon capsule endoscopy's current clinical application, concentrating on its most recent developments. Second-generation colon capsule endoscopy (CCE2) is approved by the FDA for use as an adjunctive test in patients with incomplete colonoscopy and within Europe in patients at average risk, those with incomplete colonoscopies or those unwilling to undergo conventional colonoscopies. Since the publication of European Society of GI Endoscopy guidelines on the use of CCE, there has been a significant increase in comparative studies on the diagnostic yield of CCE. This paper discusses CCE2 in further detail. It explains newly developed colon capsule system and the current status on the use of CCE, it also provides a comprehensive summary of systematic reviews on the implementation of CCE in colorectal cancer screening from a methodological perspective. Patients with ulcerative colitis can benefit from CCE2 in terms of assessing mucosal inflammation. As part of this review, performance of CCE2 for assessing disease severity in ulcerative colitis is compared with colonoscopy. Finally, an assessment if CCE can become a cost-effective clinical service overall.

Usability of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures for Older Patients With Cancer: Secondary Analysis of Data from an Observational Single Center Study

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes are considered the gold standard for assessing subjective health status in oncology patients. Electronic assessment of patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) has become increasingly popular in recent years in both clinical trials and practice. However, there is limited evidence on how well older patients with cancer can complete ePRO assessments.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate how well adult patients with cancer of different age ranges could complete ePRO assessments at home and in a treatment facility and to identify factors associated with the ability to complete questionnaires electronically.

METHODS

This retrospective longitudinal single-center study involved survivors of cancer who participated in inpatient rehabilitation. Patients completed ePRO assessments before rehabilitation at home (T1) and after rehabilitation at the facility (T2). We analyzed the rate of patients who could complete the ePRO assessment at T1 and T2, the proportion of patients who required assistance, and the time it took patients to complete standardized questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of ePRO completion rate and the need for assistance.

RESULTS

Between 2017 and 2022, a total of 5571 patients were included in this study. Patients had a mean age of 60.3 (SD 12.2) years (range 18 to 93 years), and 1135 (20.3%) of them were classified as geriatric patients (>70 years). While more than 90% (5060/5571) of all patients completed the ePRO assessment, fewer patients in the age group of >70 years (924/1135, 81.4% at T1 vs 963/1135, 84.8% at T2) completed the assessment. Approximately 19% (1056/5571) of patients reported a need for assistance with the ePRO assessment at home, compared to 6.8% (304/4483) at the institution. Patients older than 70 years had a significantly higher need for assistance than those in younger age groups. Moreover, a gender difference was observed, with older women reporting a higher need for assistance than men (71-80 years: women requiring assistance 215/482, 44.6% vs men 96/350, 27.4%; P<.001 and >80 years: women 102/141, 72.3% vs men 57/112, 50.9%; P<.001). On average, patients needed 4.9 (SD 3.20) minutes to remotely complete a 30-item questionnaire (European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire) and patients in the older age groups took significantly longer compared to younger age groups. Lower age and higher physical functioning were the clearest predictors for both the ePRO completion rate and the need for assistance in the multivariate regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study's results indicate that ePRO assessment is feasible in older individuals with cancer, but older patients may require assistance (eg, from relatives) to complete home-based assessments. It may be more feasible to conduct assessments in-house in this population. Additionally, it is crucial to carefully consider which resources are necessary and available to support patients in using ePRO devices.

The Effectiveness of a Very Low-Volume Compared to High-Volume Laxative in Colon Capsule Endoscopy

Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a promising modality for colonic investigations, but completion rates (CR) and adequate cleansing rates (ACR) must be improved to meet established standards for optical colonoscopy. Improvements should be made with patient acceptability in mind. We aimed to compare a very low-volume polyethylene glycol (PEG) laxative to a conventional high-volume laxative. We carried out a single-center retrospective comparative cohort study including patients referred for CCE. One hundred and sixty-six patients were included in the final analysis, with eighty-three patients in each group. We found a CR and ACR of 77% and 67% in the high-volume group and 72% and 75% in the very low-volume group, respectively. In the high-volume group, 54% had complete transit and adequate cleansing, whereas this was the case for 63% in the very low-volume group. No statistically significant difference in CR, ACR, or a combination of the two was found. A very low-volume bowel preparation regimen was non-inferior to a high-volume regimen before CCE in terms of CR and ACR.

Castor Oil in Bowel Preparation Regimens for Colon Capsule Endoscopy: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Completing colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) investigations rely on successful transit and acceptable bowel preparation quality. We investigated the effect of adding castor oil to the CCE bowel preparation regimen on the completion rate using a meta-analysis of existing literature. We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. Included studies underwent quality assessment, and data for meta-analysis were extracted. Pooled estimates for excretion rate and acceptable bowel preparation rate were calculated. We identified 72 studies matching our search criteria, and six were included in the meta-analysis. Three of the studies had control groups, although two used historical cohorts. The pooled excretion rate (92%) was significantly higher in patients who received castor oil than in those who did not (73%). No significant difference in acceptable colonic cleanliness was observed. Castor oil has been used in a few studies as a booster for CCE. This meta-analysis shows the potential for this medication to improve excretion rates, and castor oil could be actively considered in conjunction with other emerging laxative regimens in CCE. Still, prospective randomized trials with appropriate control groups should be conducted before any conclusions can be drawn. Prospero ID: CRD42022338939.

Completion and determinants of a continuum of care in maternal health services in Benishangul Gumuz region: A prospective follow-up study

Introduction

The provision of a continuum of care to women throughout pregnancy, labor, and after delivery has become a fundamental strategy for improving maternal and neonatal health. A better understanding of where the gaps are in seeking care along the pathway and what factors contribute to the gaps is required for successful program implementation. Hence, this study was targeted to determine the status and determinant factors of the completion rate of a continuum of care in maternal health services.

Methods

A prospective follow-up study was conducted among 2,198 sampled pregnant women and followed for 11 months in Benishangul-Gumuz region. A multistage clustered sampling technique was employed to select the study participants. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire, and logbook registry. Collected data were edited, cleaned, and analyzed using STATA software. The multilevel regression model was used to examine the effects of individual- and community-level factors and expressed as AOR with 95% CI.

Results

The completion rate of a continuum of care via visit-based, content-based, and space dimensions was 33.1, 20, and 37.2%, respectively. The enabling factors were having information on maternal health services (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.11-4.55), iron and folic acid supplementation (AOR = 2.58; 95% CI: 1.37-4.86), tetanus toxoid vaccination during pregnancy (AOR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.39-3.52), having pregnant-related problems (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.15-3.71), dry and stimulate newborn (AOR = 2.61; 95% CI: 1.42-4.77), appropriate cord care (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.07-3.79), and immunizing newborn (AOR = 6.9; 95% CI: 3.79-12.59), whereas risk factors were ever having a stillbirth (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.32-0.85) and delay of 1st ANC initiation at 4-6 months of pregnancy (AOR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.3-0.68).

Conclusion

The completion rates via visit-based, content-based, and space dimensions were low. Different determinant factors which have a programmatically important implication were identified. Thus, interventions should focus on increasing women's awareness and improving the availability and accessibility of the whole packages of maternal health services to facilitate the completion rate.

Support Life Club: A New Model Based on Social Media Group Chats and Social Activities That Can Improve Adherence and Clinical Outcomes in Patients Receiving Cardiac Rehabilitation

AIM

To describe a new model, the Support Life Club (SLC), for participants of Phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs and to evaluate this model for adherence, completion rates, and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective study involved 391 consecutive patients who participated in an outpatient CR program between September 2016 and May 2020. The intervention group (SLC) was comprised of 198 patients who participated in education, WeChat-based group activity as well as outdoor activities, while the control group (non-intervention) was comprised of 193 cases. All patients attended a 12-week supervised outpatient CR program (three sessions per week, each lasting 40min). The intervention and control groups were compared for completion rates, Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) results, Six-minute Walk Test (6MWT) distances, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores.

RESULTS

Patients in the intervention group attended at least 75% of the exercise training sessions more often than those in the control group (72.5% vs 40.41%, adjusted odds ratio (OR): 27.385; 95% CI: 10.2 to 73.6; P = 0.0000). Analysis of variance (2 × 2 ANOVA) revealed a significant group-by-time interaction in PHQ9 and 6MWT test results (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

The addition of SLC to a cardiac rehabilitation program resulted in better outcomes for PHQ9 and 6MWT tests and may be a useful strategy to improve exercise adherence.

Effect of Concomitant Lafutidine on Adjuvant S-1 for Head and Neck Cancer: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND/AIM

This study evaluated the utility of the histamine H2-receptor antagonist lafutidine in patients taking oral fluorouracil (S-1) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), by comparing patients with and without concomitant lafutidine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Study subjects comprised 63 patients who received adjuvant S-1 following curative resection of HNSCC at our institutions between August 1, 2013 and December 31, 2019. The primary endpoint was the completion rate of S-1 therapy.

RESULTS

For the lafutidine-treated group, the median completion rate was significantly greater (94.4% vs. 24.6%, p=0.01), and progression-free and overall survival were both significantly prolonged compared to the non-lafutidine group. In terms of adverse events, the incidence of diarrhoea was significantly reduced (p<0.00189) in the lafutidine-treated group.

CONCLUSION

Taking lafutidine during S-1 treatment appeared to reduce gastrointestinal disturbance and increased the S-1 completion rate, improving both progression-free and overall survival as a result.

Capsule Endoscopy: Pitfalls and Approaches to Overcome

Capsule endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract is an innovative technology that serves to replace conventional endoscopy. Wireless capsule endoscopy, which is mainly used for small bowel examination, has recently been used to examine the entire gastrointestinal tract. This method is promising for its usefulness and development potential and enhances convenience by reducing the side effects and discomfort that may occur during conventional endoscopy. However, capsule endoscopy has fundamental limitations, including passive movement via bowel peristalsis and space restriction. This article reviews the current scientific aspects of capsule endoscopy and discusses the pitfalls and approaches to overcome its limitations. This review includes the latest research results on the role and potential of capsule endoscopy as a non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic device.

Participation rate determines completion rate for specific health guidance as implemented by public health insurers

Completion rate for specific health guidance (SHG) based on specific health checkup (SHC) status in Japan is very low. This study aimed to clarify factors affecting the rate using questionnaire survey, which was conducted by mail between December 2016 and January 2017 for insurers in the Tokai Region of Japan. The subjects were 69 insurers and the collection rate was 25.1%. The SHG participation rate was 26.3%, and the SHG completion rate was even lower (23.6%) than the participation rate. The rate was significantly lower in dependents than in insured persons. Multiple regression analysis with SHG completion rate as the dependent variable indicated that only "participation rate in SHG" was positively related to completion rate. With SHG participation rate as the dependent variable, however, having an insurer who "implemented SHG," "provided a thorough explanation to the subscribers of the objectives and significance of SHC and SHG when the programs were begun," and "provided health guidance to non-obese individuals" and SHC implementation rate were positively correlated with participation rate. Multiple regression analysis using completion rates for the two types of SHG, i.e., motivational and active support, as the dependent variables indicated that SHG participation rate was a positive factor for each type. Participation rate in each type was positively correlated to "ex-post assessment of the SHG," and/or insured persons. The primary factor affecting SHG completion rates was the SHG participation rate. It is also important, however, that insurers encourage participation of subscribers, especially dependents, in SHG.

What Affects the Completion of Ecological Momentary Assessments in Chronic Pain Research? An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis

Background

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) involves repeated sampling of people’s current experiences in real time in their natural environments, which offers a granular perspective on patients’ experience of pain and other symptoms. However, EMA can be burdensome to patients, and its benefits depend upon patients’ engagement in the assessments.

Objective

The goal of this study was to investigate factors affecting EMA-completion rates among patients with chronic pain.

Methods

This individual patient data meta-analysis was based on 12 EMA datasets that examined patients with chronic noncancer-related pain (n=701). The EMA-completion rates were calculated on a daily basis for each patient. Multilevel models were used to test the following predictors of completion rates at different levels: within-patient factors (days into the study and daily pain level), between-patient factors (age, sex, pain diagnosis, and average pain level per person), and between-study EMA design factors (study duration, sampling density, and survey length).

Results

Across datasets, an EMA-completion rate of 85% was observed. The strongest results were found for the between-patient factor age: Younger respondents reported lower completion rates than older respondents (P=.002). One within-patient factor, study day, was associated with completion rates (P<.001): over the course of the studies, the completion rates declined. The two abovementioned factors interacted with each other (P=.02) in that younger participants showed a more rapid decline in EMA completion over time. In addition, none of the other hypothesized factors including gender, chronic pain diagnoses, pain intensity levels, or measures of study burden showed any significant effects.

Conclusion

Many factors thought to influence the EMA-completion rates in chronic pain studies were not confirmed. However, future EMA research in chronic pain should note that study length and young age can impact the quality of the momentary data and devise strategies to maximize completion rates across different age groups and study days.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Status among Japanese Travelers

This study clarified the characteristics of travelers who received hepatitis B vaccinations. Subjects were 233 Japanese travelers who visited our clinic prior to travel. We summarized the characteristics of the clients and performed two comparative studies: first, we compared a hepatitis B-vaccinated group with an unvaccinated group; second, we compared a group that had completed the hepatitis B vaccine series with a group that did not complete the series. The hepatitis B vaccine was administered to 152 clients. Factors positively associated with the hepatitis B vaccination (after adjusting for age and sex) included the following: travel for business or travel as an accompanying family member; travel to Asia; travel for a duration of a month or more; and, inclusion of the vaccine in a company or organization's payment plan. Meanwhile, factors negatively associated with the vaccination were travel for leisure or education, and travel to North America or Africa. Among 89 record-confirmed cases, only 53 completed 3 doses. The completion rate was negatively associated with the scheduled duration of travel if it was from a month to less than a year (after adjusting for age and sex). The present study provides a basis for promoting vaccination compliance more vigorously among Japanese adults.

Thoughts of Quitting General Surgery Residency: Factors in Canada

OBJECTIVE

Attrition rates in general surgery training are higher than other surgical disciplines. We sought to determine the prevalence with which Canadian general surgery residents consider leaving their training and the contributing factors.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

An anonymous survey was administered to all general surgery residents in Canada. Responses from residents who considered leaving their training were assessed for importance of contributing factors. The study was conducted at the Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, a tertiary academic center.

RESULTS

The response rate was approximately 34.0%. A minority (32.0%) reported very seriously or somewhat seriously considering leaving their training, whereas 35.2% casually considered doing so. Poor work-life balance in residency (38.9%) was the single-most important factor, whereas concern about future unemployment (16.7%) and poor future quality of life (15.7%) were next. Enjoyment of work (41.7%) was the most frequent mitigating factor. Harassment and intimidation were reported factors in 16.7%. On analysis, only intention to practice in a nonacademic setting approached significant association with thoughts of leaving (odds ratio = 1.92, CI = 0.99-3.74, p = 0.052). There was no association with sex, program, postgraduate year, relationship status, or subspecialty interest. There was a nonsignificant trend toward more thoughts of leaving with older age.

CONCLUSION

Canadian general surgery residents appear less likely to seriously consider quitting than their American counterparts. Poor work-life balance in residency, fear of future unemployment, and anticipated poor future quality of life are significant contributors to thoughts of quitting. Efforts to educate prospective residents about the reality of the surgical lifestyle, and to assist residents in securing employment, may improve completion rates.

Effect of team training on improving MRI study completion rates and no-show rates

PURPOSE

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a high-cost imaging modality, and an optimized encounter ideally provides high-quality care, patient satisfaction, and capacity utilization. Our purpose was to assess the effectiveness of team training and its impact on patient show-up and completion rates for their MRI examinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 97,712 patient visits from three tertiary academic medical centers over 1-year intervals were evaluated, totaling 49,733 visits at baseline and 47,979 after training. Each center's MRI team received team training skill training including advanced communication and team training techniques training. This training included onsite instruction including case simulation with scenarios requiring appropriate behavioral and communicative interventions. Orientation and training also utilized customized online tools and proctoring. The study completion rate and patient show-up rate during consecutive year-long intervals before and after team training were compared to assess its effectiveness. Two-sided chi-square tests for proportions using were applied at a 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS

Despite differing no-show rates (5-22.2%) and study incompletion rates (0.7-3.7%) at the three academic centers, the combined patients' data showed significant (P < 0.0001) improvement in the patients' no-show rates (combined decreases from 11.2% to 8.7%) and incompletion rates (combined decreases from 2.3% to 1.4%).

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary results suggest training of the imaging team can improve the no-show and incompletion rates of the MRI service, positively affecting throughput and utilization. Team training can be readily implemented and may help address the needs of the current cost-conscious and consumer-sensitive healthcare environment. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;44:1040-1047.

Video capsule endoscopy is successful and effective in outpatients with implantable cardiac devices

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Implantable cardiac devices are a relative contraindication to video capsule endoscopy (VCE) because of concerns regarding interference. As a result of a lack of alternatives, some centers have adopted protocols to allow for VCE in these patients. There are minimal published descriptions of the gastrointestinal outcomes of these procedures. We investigated the completion rate and diagnostic yield of VCE carried out in outpatients with implantable cardiac devices.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective review of all VCE from April 2010 through March 2013 at our center. Patients that underwent VCE through a specialized protocol for outpatients with implantable cardiac devices were identified. The protocol used telemetry for cardiac monitoring during battery lifespan of the VCE. Demographic data, procedure indications, results and any procedural events were collected.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients met the study criteria, with 16 (76%) pacemakers, four (19%) implantable cardioverter defibrilla tors and one (5%) implantable hemodynamic monitor. Two (10%) devices were adjusted prior to VCE. Twenty (95%) were completed to the colon, with a median gastric transit time of 18 min and a small bowel transit time of 216 min. The procedure was diagnostic in 13 (62%) patients. One (5%) capsule retention event occurred. No cardiac events or video capture disturbances occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Video capsule endoscopy done on outpatients with implantable cardiac devices through a cardiac monitoring protocol resulted in a satisfactory completion rate and high diagnostic yield with no adverse cardiac events. A large prospective trial is needed to confirm these novel results.

[A project to improve the follow-up completion rate of colorectal cancer screening-positive patients]

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Taiwan. Patients diagnosed early have excellent cure rates. Mackay Memorial Hospital, working on a Bureau of Health Promotion (BHP) project, found the colorectal cancer screening completion rate for positive patients to be the lowest among four cancer screenings reviewed. We thus formed a project team to improve the follow-up completion rate for colorectal cancer screening-positive patients.

PURPOSE

This project was designed to raise the follow-up completion rate for colorectal cancer screening-positive patients to 65%.

METHODS

Explicit interventions implemented included making health education leaflets and return visit reminder sheets, holding/organizing screening seminars, opening a consultation helpline, formulating follow-up colorectal cancer screening procedures for screening-positive patients, holding hospital educational training courses, establishing cross-unit collaboration models, and benchmarking other hospitals.

RESULTS

The follow-up completion rate increased from 53.63% to 66.08%.

CONCLUSIONS

Conducting health education programs and strengthening team awareness of follow-up completion rates effectively enhanced the follow-up completion rate for colorectal cancer screening-positive patients and improved medical care quality.

Do indication and demographics for colonoscopy affect completion? A large national database evaluation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Indication for colonoscopy has not been examined as a predictor of colonoscopy completion. We hypothesized that colonoscopy conducted for colorectal cancer screening might have higher in completion rates than colonoscopy conducted for other indications.

METHODS

The study design was a retrospective cohort. Colonoscopies recorded within the Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative database conducted between 1 January 2002 and 30 June 2003 were analyzed. Indication included: average-risk screening; surveillance; nonspecific abdominal symptoms; bleeding symptoms; or family history of colorectal carcinoma. Demographic factors and indication for colonoscopy were evaluated for the outcome of incomplete colonoscopy using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

129 549 Colonoscopy procedures were analyzed. Average risk screening seemed to be protective for completion (relative risk: 0.69; 95% confidence interval: 0.63-0.75). Bleeding and nonspecific symptoms had higher risk of incomplete procedure compared to other indications. Males had higher completion rates compared to females (relative risk: 0.62; 95% confidence interval: 0.58-0.66). Community setting had higher completion rates compared to academic or Veteran's administration sites. Increasing age was associated with higher rate of incomplete colonoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Colonoscopy conducted for screening indication has comparable completion rates when compared with other indications. An overall completion rate of around 95% was noted in this study. This is the largest study to date verifying that completion rates are meeting recommended multisociety guidelines in the USA. Nonspecific abdominal symptoms in Caucasian population, female sex, advanced age, clinical setting, and ethnic groups African-American and Hispanic were found to have increased risk of incomplete procedure.