Utilizing a logic model framework to evaluate patient navigation interventions on colorectal cancer screening time to diagnostic follow-up care: a study protocol

Article type
Authors
McIntosh B1, Kazanjian A1
1University of British Columbia, Canada
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of adult cancer death in the United States. CRC mortality rates can be reduced through screening using a Fecal Occult Blood Test and timely follow-up care. Following a positive CRC screening result, a patient must undergo diagnostic follow-up. Patient navigation (PN) uses trained individuals to guide patients through the healthcare system to obtain care. A growing body of evidence examines whether PN decreases the time from CRC screening to diagnostic follow-up; however, there is a paucity of reviews examining this topic, and where reviews exist, most underutilize logic models. Logic models can improve systematic reviews through evaluative reasoning and methodological transparency.

Objective: Using a logic model framework, this systematic review will assess the effects of PN interventions on times from CRC screening to diagnostic follow-up.

Methods: Utilizing a conceptual and analytical logic model framework, the Cochrane Colorectal Cancer Group Specialized Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Dissertation Abstracts, and CINAHL will be searched without language restrictions for studies dated from December 1995 to July 2013. Randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials assessing times from CRC screening to diagnostic follow-up will be selected. Participants will include adults age 50 and above. One reviewer will screen the studies for relevance and two will independently assess the studies for inclusion. Data will be extracted by one reviewer and assessed by two. Studies will be evaluated on the population, intervention, comparison, outcome, setting, fidelity, and bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results: Results will be presented using summary tables.

Discussion: This updated systematic review will fill a gap in evidence and improve efficiency within the healthcare system by using a logic model framework to evaluate the effects of PN on timely CRC diagnostic follow-up.