Improving colorectal cancer screening for diverse patients using a digital health platform
Official title: Evaluating a remotely delivered, digital health CRC screening intervention among racially diverse patients of a community health center
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10872279 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new digital tool to help more people, especially those from different backgrounds in rural areas, get screened for colorectal cancer, making it easier for both patients and healthcare teams to access important information and services.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $577,297 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA273331-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10872279 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are racially diverse individuals who are eligible for colorectal cancer screening and receive care at federally qualified health centers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not eligible for colorectal cancer screening or do not receive care at community health centers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates among racially diverse patients at community health centers, particularly in rural areas. It utilizes a digital health platform called mPATH-Cloud, which automates key processes to ease the burden on clinical teams while providing culturally responsive education and services to patients. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this platform in increasing screening rates and understanding the implementation processes that can facilitate its broader use. By focusing on the unique needs of underserved populations, the research seeks to address disparities in CRC screening.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase colorectal cancer screening rates among underserved populations, leading to earlier detection and better outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that culturally responsive and technology-driven interventions can improve health outcomes in underserved populations, suggesting a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frerichs, Leah M. — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Frerichs, Leah M.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Digital tool to reduce HIV-related stigma in Nepal HIV care centers
A user-friendly digital tool helps clinics measure and reduce stigma related to HIV, mental health, and other factors to improve care for people living with HIV.
-
Digital health strategies to expand lung cancer screening in safety-net clinics
A funded project aims to help low-resource clinics increase the use of lung cancer screening for patients who smoke or are at risk.
-
Culturally tailored digital quit-smoking help for Hispanic/Latinx communities
A digital smoking-cessation program will be culturally adapted for Hispanic/Latinx adults to help them quit smoking and reduce cancer disparities.
-
Improving how people with binge eating disorders learn and use therapeutic skills with digital tools
A study tests digital health tools to help people with binge eating disorders learn and practice cognitive-behavioral skills more effectively.
-
Integrated multimodal digital health support for adults with type 2 diabetes
A large study at Yale will test how AI-powered digital tools and real-time glucose data can help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their condition more effectively.
-
Integrated digital health approach to help rural adults reduce hazardous drinking and chronic pain
A digital health program designed for adults in rural areas to reduce risky alcohol use while also addressing chronic pain through a streamlined, at-home approach.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.