Effect of Remote Counseling on Screening Uptake in the First-Degree Relatives of Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Bei Dong, Yongfeng Chen, Dongting Zhang et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed remote counseling to promote colorectal cancer screening among first-degree relatives of people with colorectal cancer. It included five randomized controlled trials involving 2601 relatives. Remote counseling was associated with higher screening uptake than comparison approaches (relative risk, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-1.86; P < .01). Mailing tailored printed materials also showed a beneficial effect. Evidence was limited on whether remote counseling improves relatives’ knowledge or health beliefs about colorectal cancer and screening.
Key findings
- Across five studies and 2601 relatives, remote counseling increased screening uptake (relative risk, 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-1.86; P < .01).
- Mailing tailored printed materials was beneficial for screening uptake (relative risk, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-2.03; P < .01).
- Evidence was limited regarding effects on knowledge and health beliefs about colorectal cancer and screening.
Why it matters
First-degree relatives of people with colorectal cancer are an important group for screening outreach. The pooled findings suggest that remote counseling can help increase screening uptake, including through tailored printed materials. However, the review provides limited evidence about changes in knowledge or health beliefs, so the mechanisms and optimal form of counseling remain uncertain.
What to keep in mind
Only five trials were included, and the review reports limited evidence on knowledge and health beliefs. The authors call for more rigorous, theory-driven randomized trials to identify an optimal intervention.