Cost-effectiveness of a health care provider-directed intervention to promote colorectal cancer screening

Abstract

6583 Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening remains underutilized. Prior studies reported the cost-effectiveness of interventions to improve CRC screening, but none have been replicated in the setting of small medical practices. We recently conducted a randomized trial of an academic detailing strategy within 264 small physician offices in New York City. The objective of this analysis is to assess the cost-effectiveness of this intervention. Methods: 264 physician offices were randomized to usual care or to a series of ‘academic detailing’ visits from health educators trained in evidence-based CRC screening guidelines. CRC screening rates were measured at baseline and 12 months. Intervention-related costs were categorized as fixed or intervention delivery costs. The incremental cost effectiveness ratio (ICER) was expressed as cost per percentage point increase in CRC screening. Each practice contained an average of 4 physicians. Sensitivity analyses were estimated by varying the number of physicians per practice and accordingly, intervention delivery costs. Results: Academic detailing resulted in a 7% increase in CRC screening with colonoscopy. The cost of the intervention was $147,865. The ICER was $21,124 per percentage point increase in CRC screening. Sensitivity analyses that varied the intervention delivery costs by the average medical practice size were associated with ICERs ranging from $13,361 (8 physicians/office) to $36,109 (2 physicians/office) per percentage point increase in CRC screening rates. Conclusions: A multi-component academic detailing intervention conducted in small urban practices was clinically effective, but was not cost-effective when compared to other reported low-intensity patient-directed and infrastructural interventions ($131-$1,161 per percentage increase in CRC screening). (Table) While academic detailing may be more cost-effective in physician practices of larger size, new cost-effective approaches in small community practices are needed. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.