An interactive, theory-based educational comptuer program to increase colorectal cancer screening: Project PCCaSO (Promoting Colon Cancer Screening in people 50 and Over)

Objective: To describe the design and implementation of a prospective randomized trial to increase colorectal cancer screening (CRCS) in men and women, aged 50-70 at a large multi-specialty practice in Houston, Texas.

Methods: Project PCCaSO tests the effect of a tailored, interactive, theory-based educational computer program (Group1) compared with generic CRCS information from a CDC website (Group2) and a non-treatment control group. Participants complete a baseline and follow-up surveys, and attend a study visit followed by a physical. Group1 participants view the PCCaSO program, which is based on the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). The program delivers tailored messages and engages participants in exercises that are appropriate for their TTM CRCS stage. Group2 participants view a CRCS website. Controls do not receive any information about CRCS.

Results: The first 200 intervention and 100 control participants were 45% Male; 40% White, 50% Black, and 11% Hispanic. Group1 participants were 8% Precontemplators, 53% Contemplators and 39% Preparation; Group2 participants were 8% Precontemplators, 57% Contemplators and 35% Preparation. Group1 spent an average of 22.2 minutes viewing the intervention program, while Group2 spent an average of 19.7 minutes viewing the website. About 85% of Group1 and Group2 reported the study helped them make a decision about CRCS while 85% of Group1 and 73% of Group2 participants reported that it helped them decide on a specific CRCS test.

Conclusion: To move forward the field of behavior change interventions, it is important to provide detailed reporting of the design and implementation of theory-based interventions, such as Project PCCaSO.