The CRISP-P study: feasibility of a self-completed colorectal cancer risk prediction tool in primary care

To increase targeted screening for colorectal cancer, an Australian CRC risk prediction tool—CRISP (Colorectal cancer RISk Prediction tool)—has been developed for use in primary care. Some barriers to the implementation of this tool have been identified in a pilot study, including lack of time for GPs to complete the tool during a standard consultation. To overcome this, the CRISP-P study explored the feasibility of utilizing waiting room time to allow patients (aged between 40-75 years) to self-complete the tool. Participants input their own data into the CRISP tool without receiving clinical advice, and the feasibility was assessed using recruitment rate, timely completion, a self-reported ‘ease-of-use’, score and field notes. Overall, the tool was perceived as easy to use, however 41% of people were unable to complete the questions without assistance. This was particularly seen in older patients, those who were less educated, or those with English as their second language. Therefore, this study suggests that it is not feasible for primary care patients to accurately self-complete CRISP without assistance. However, the data does suggest that the recruitment methods are feasible (90% of patients agreed to use the tool) and could be used to inform future trial design. Read full text