System-Level Barriers to Follow-up Colonoscopy Completion After Positive Fecal Test: Interviews With Gastroenterologists and Staff

Abstract

Background: Despite the efficacy of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, many adults are not screened at recommended intervals or screened at all. Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) serve a unique patient population that often experience barriers to CRC screening. Yearly fecal testing and colonoscopy follow-up for positive test results can reduce CRC incidence and mortality. However, many patients with positive fecal test results forgo follow-up colonoscopy, nullifying the potential benefits of fecal testing.