Improving colorectal cancer screening decisions for older adults with low health literacy
Shared Decision-making and Colorectal Cancer Screening Behaviors Among Older Adults with Low Health Literacy
This study is testing a new pamphlet to see if it can help older adults with low health literacy decide to get screened for colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 75 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT04748380 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of a decision aid designed to enhance colorectal cancer screening intentions among older adults aged 75-85 with low health literacy. The study will recruit 66 participants from community health centers and randomly assign them to receive either a colorectal cancer decision aid pamphlet or a home safety pamphlet. The primary outcome is to assess changes in screening intentions, while secondary outcomes include knowledge of screening options, engagement in shared decision-making, and the acceptability of the decision aid. Data will be collected through surveys and assessments conducted during routine visits with primary care physicians.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 75-85 years with low health literacy and an educational level of community college or less.
Not a fit: Patients who have a history of colorectal cancer, dementia, or are older than 85 years may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved colorectal cancer screening rates among older adults with low health literacy, ultimately enhancing early detection and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with decision aids in improving screening rates, making this approach promising yet still novel in this specific demographic.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be between the ages of 75 and 85 years * Must be low health literacy (LHL), determined by participants' response to the validated LHL question, "How confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself?" with a response of, "somewhat to not at all confident."39-43 * Have an educational level at community college or less Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who do not have the capacity to participate * Patients with dementia * Patients with a history of invasive/non-invasive colorectal cancer. * Patients older than 85 years since guidelines recommend against CRC screening in this age range.
Where this trial is running
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania Health System — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tamara Cadet, PhD, LICSW, MPH
- Email: cadet@upenn.edu
- Phone: 215-898-5501
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.