Occult blood testing: Fecal immunochemical test mailers27
Overview:
To improve colorectal cancer screening rates, the population-based mailing of fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) kits was initiated by several health centers and health plans. The collected kits were then sent to clinics or centralized labs for testing. Challenges related to program set-up, and the complexities of working with the respective vendors led to multiple delays.
What was the vendor relationship issue?
Delays were identified as shortages of FIT supplies, expired kits, and getting kits to the vendor(s) for mailing. The process required a lot of coordination, communication, emails, and tracking among all stakeholders.
How was the issue resolved?
Issues were eventually resolved with improved engagement and communication between the stakeholders and the vendor(s).
How could it have been prevented/what was learned?
The time needed to set up and administer the ongoing health center programs must be addressed upfront - spending more time than anticipated is to be expected. Vendor involvement at all stages is crucial.
Name of the journal article or study and its citation:
27. Baldwin LM, Schneider JL, Schwartz M, et al. First-year implementation of mailed FIT colorectal cancer screening programs in two Medicaid/Medicare health insurance plans: qualitative learnings from health plan quality improvement staff and leaders.
BMC Health Serv Res. 2020;20(1):132. Published 2020 Feb 21. doi:10.1186/s12913-019-4868-5
https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-019-4868-5
