Adaptation of the Flu-FIT Program for Patient-Aligned Care Teams: A Quality Improvement Project

Sofia A. Funes, Claudia Flores, Amy L. Davidow, Stephen Friedman, Pearl Korenblit, Pauline Thomas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The Flu-FIT program aims to increase colorectal cancer screening rates by offering a home fecal immunochemical test (FIT) at the time of annual influenza immunization. This program was piloted at a VA campus in New Jersey during the 2018-2019 influenza season, with a 9% increase in colorectal cancer screening rates. In the 2019-2020 season, the program was implemented in 6 primary care teams; 6 additional teams maintaining standard of care served as a comparison group. A total of 816 patients aged 50 to 75 years were eligible for participation; 509 patients were available for analysis, 242 in the Flu-FIT group and 267 in the comparison group. The Flu-FIT group patients were 2.4 times more likely to accept FIT kits (95% confidence interval: 1.6-3.6, P =.001). The colorectal cancer screening rates increased 77.0% to 81.9% in the Flu-FIT group and 77.0% to 79.8% in the comparison group (P >.05).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S159-S163
JournalJournal of Public Health Management and Practice
Volume27
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2021
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Keywords

  • Flu-FIT program
  • Veterans
  • colorectal cancer screening
  • prevention
  • preventive medicine

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