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VivienLauYW JJY Sung and SM Griffiths - The feasibility of return of self-admitted te

Posted: 11 Dec 2014 05:23 AM PST

The feasibility of return of self-admitted test samples within an agreed duration
V. Y. W Lau1, M. C. S. Wong1,2, J. Y. L. Ching2, S. S. M. Ng2, A. K. C. Luk2, HarryWang1, J. C. Y. Wu2, F. K. L. Chan2, J. J. Y. Sung2 & S. M. Griffiths1
1 School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China, 2 Institute of Digestive Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong SAR, China

Abstract
Objective: This project is conducted to illustrate the level of consistency of participants who agree to perform a task and the actual completion of the agreed task. In the years 2010 to 2012, a project of colorectal cancer (CRC) recruited 1665 subjects to participate in a project that required them to return two test samples to a center. Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) was used in sample collection. Subjects are instructed to return two test samples within 2 weeks, and all 1665 subjects agreed to hand in the two test samples within 2 weeks. However, different levels of actual completion are recorded at the end of the project.

Method: Duration of return of two test samples is recorded by day and month. The trend of the return of test sample number one and number two are recorded separately. Records are counted and presented in percentage. Three trials have been done to improve validity in three subsequence years.

Result: Majority of participants return test sample between day four and day seven in first year and between day eight and day fourteen in next subsequence years. The trend of the return of self-admit test samples increases from the first quarter of a given deadline, peak at the middle of the timeline, decreases a little at third quarter until the date of deadline. 100% participants returned first test sample and 97.84% to 99.51% of participants returned second test sample.

Conclusion: This project demonstrated the effectiveness of self-admitting test samples in an agreed deadline. The compliance of instruction of returning multiple test samples within an agreed time is found feasible and effective in a three-year duration. Such instruction is applicable to projects that require participants to return more than one test samples or questionnaire within an agreed time. Allocation of manpower in collection of test samples for one-year program or first year should load in the mid-point of the timeline. Allocation of manpower should heavily loaded in collection of test samples from mid-point of the timeline to one month beyond the agreed deadline, and phone call reminder should be started one month after the agreed deadline. Allocation of resources is important in increases the cost-effectiveness of research studies.

VivienLauYW and MartinCSWong - The Knowledge of Colorectal Cancer: What hinder colono

Posted: 11 Dec 2014 05:20 AM PST

The Knowledge of Colorectal Cancer: What hinder colonoscopy compliance?
Vivien Y. W. Laua, Martin C. S. Wonga.
a School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China

ABSTRACT
Aim: Colonoscopy is a common detection method of bowel cancer, polyps and lesion in digestive tract. Apart from the high sensitivity and specificity on colorectal cancer detection of colonoscopy, there are known risks and long bowel-cleansing preparations about the procedure of colonoscopy. To reduce the waste of resources due to absence of colonoscopy appointment and to encourage public engagement in colonoscopy screening, it is important to collect factors that affect the compliance of colonoscopy. This study investigated the factors that affect the compliance of colonoscopy.

Method: Factors that affect the compliance of colonoscopy were collected in a method of focus groups. A total of 8 focus groups were conducted in 3 months with 48 participants of male and female of age 40-69 with high risk of colorectal cancer who have their colonoscopy appointment arranged in a near future. At the end of each focus group, factors that strongly affecting the compliance of colonoscopy were collected.

Result: Although participants expressed different level of willingness to attend the colonoscopy, all participants completed colonoscopy without delay or absence. P value <0.05 and p value <0.01 were considered statistically significant and all tests were two-tailed. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals were calculated using methods for proportions. The results of 48 participants in 8 focus groups were collected and summarized in this study.

Conclusion: Worry about post-infection and perceiving not necessary for colonoscopy were shown to be the most common factors hindering the decision of completing colonoscopy. Afraid of commitment and afraid to change appointment were shown not to be the major concerns on completing colonoscopy. Most participant stated participation in preparation workshop effectively boosts their confidence to complete colonoscopy. This study shows giving enough information to participants to make decision on colonoscopy is as important as giving guidance to participants on colonoscopy preparation procedure. Allow participants physically and psychologically well prepared for colonoscopy reduces waste of resources due to absence.