by Colorectal cancer screening is recommended for adults between the ages of 45 and 75 who are at average risk of developing the disease. However, a recent study suggests that personalized screening may be more beneficial for older adults. The study, led by Dr. Sameer Saini and a team of researchers from various institutions, aimed to determine the effects of personalized care on the appropriate use of colorectal cancer screening in older adults.
The study focused on individuals between the ages of 70 and 75 who were at average risk for developing colorectal cancer. The team compared two different strategies of care in a cluster randomized trial involving 431 older adults. The control strategy followed the usual care approach, with a few modifications made at the health system and physician level. The intervention strategy involved personalized decision aids given to both physicians and patients.
The personalized decision aid provided patients with background information about screening, as well as personalized information about the benefits and harms of screening based on their age, prior screening history, sex, and overall health. The information was presented in a personalized risk graph for easy interpretation. The control group, on the other hand, received a simple screening informational booklet that was not personalized.
Surprisingly, the study found no significant differences in the number of screening orders between the control arm and the intervention arm. However, further analysis revealed that the intervention arm reduced low-value screening orders and increased high-value screening orders. In other words, the personalized approach led to more appropriate use of screening in older adults.
Dr. Saini noted that under usual care, colorectal cancer screenings were happening excessively in low-benefit older adults and not enough in high-benefit older adults. This finding highlights the importance of personalized care and the potential for patient empowerment in making informed decisions about preventive care.
The study also showed that screening rates were around 13% lower in the intervention arm compared to the control arm, indicating a reduction in the use of low-value care. This suggests that personalized screening may lead to a more efficient use of healthcare resources.
The results of this study have significant implications for colorectal cancer screening guidelines in older adults. It suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach is not ideal for this population, and personalized screening strategies should be considered. By tailoring screening recommendations to an individual’s specific circumstances and preferences, unnecessary screenings can be avoided, and valuable resources can be allocated more efficiently.
Dr. Saini believes that this personalized approach to colorectal cancer screening can be extended to other preventive care services, providing patients with more autonomy and the ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This study showcases the potential for patient empowerment and the role it can play in improving healthcare outcomes.
Overall, personalized colorectal cancer screening has been shown to reduce low-value care in older adults by ensuring that screenings are targeted and relevant to an individual’s specific circumstances. By implementing personalized decision aids and educating both physicians and patients about the benefits and harms of screening in older adults, healthcare providers can improve the appropriateness and effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening in this population. This study serves as a valuable contribution to the field of preventive care and highlights the importance of personalized approaches in healthcare.
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- Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
- We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.
