Text Messaging to Improve Adherence To Repeat Colonoscopy In a Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital

Text Messaging to Improve Adherence To Repeat Colonoscopy In The VA: A Pilot Study

Colorectal cancer is a common but preventable condition, and increasing colorectal cancer screening is one of the most impactful public health contributions in the field of gastroenterology. Text messaging is a simple, cheap, and rapid method to reach patients that may improve adherence to colonoscopy appointments as well as simplify the process of bowel preparation. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of a pilot bidirectional text messaging intervention on attendance for screening/surveillance colonoscopy and bowel preparation quality at an urban VA hospital. The goal is to improve adherence to colonoscopy among patients who are due for a repeat colonoscopy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Has previously undergone a colonoscopy and is currently due for a repeat screening or surveillance colonoscopy at the VA.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients not due for screening or surveillance colonoscopy. This will be based on 2020 guidelines from the U.S. Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer.
• Patients with personal history of colorectal cancer (CRC)/inflammatory bowel disease/ hereditary colon cancer syndrome or family history of hereditary colon cancer syndrome. These criteria will be determined based on ICD9/10 codes or the medical record.