Large-Scale Implementation of a Decision Aid About Colorectal Cancer Screening

This implementation project is putting a shared decision making approach into routine practice to help patients make informed decisions about colorectal cancer(CRC) screening. Regular screening is recommended for adults ages 45 - 75 years old, and there are multiple approved tests for individuals at average risk for colorectal cancer. A video-based decision aid about CRC screening was developed and tested in a previous study by the project team. The study showed that viewing the decision aid had positive effects on measures directly related to shared decision making (knowledge, decision conflict) as well as intent to undergo CRC screening. The project team is working with two healthcare systems to provide patients who are eligible for CRC screening access to the decision aid, training staff and clinicians how to use the decision aid to support shared decision making for CRC screening, working with healthcare system leaders to support the staff and clinicians, and providing support for the ongoing use of the decision aid.