The Effects of the Nurse Navigation Program in Promoting Colorectal Cancer Screening Behaviors: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Although screening programs are known and recommended for the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC), the screening rates for the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) and colonoscopy are very low among adult individuals. Navigation programs, also known as individualized counseling, have recently begun to be used for increasing screening rates. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of the Nurse Navigation Program versus usual care on CRC screening participation and movement in stage of adoption for CRC screening and to examine perceived benefits of and barriers to CRC screening. This study was designed in line with a pre- and posttest two-group methodology. A total of 110 participants (55 nurse-navigated and 55 non-navigated patients) were studied. Data were collected using the following three tools: a sociodemographic information form, the Harvard Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool, and Instruments to Measure Colorectal Cancer Screening Benefits and Barriers. Following the Nurse Navigation Program, the FOBT (82 and 84%, respectively) and colonoscopy completion rates (15 and 22%, respectively) were significantly higher in the nurse-navigated group than in the non-navigated group at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Following the program, the benefit perceptions of the nurse-navigated group about CRC screening were improved, and their barrier perceptions were reduced. The results showed that the Nurse Navigation Program had significant effects on CRC screening behavior and health-related beliefs concerning CRC screening. Further assessment of the Nurse Navigation Program in different groups should be performed to observe its effects.