Taxonomy for colorectal cancer screening promotion: Lessons from recent randomized controlled trials

•We developed a colorectal cancer screening taxonomy to guide future research.•Principal investigators of 6 major randomized controlled trials were interviewed.•The interview data derived was not previously reported in published articles.•Interview analyses revealed 5 taxonomy headings for ordering novel study comparisons.•The taxonomy was then applied to better understandings of 11 studies.

ObjectiveTo derive a taxonomy for colorectal cancer screening that advances Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and screening uptake.DesignDetailed publication review, multiple interviews with principal investigators (PIs) and collaboration with PIs as co-authors produced a CRCS intervention taxonomy. Semi-structured interview questions with PIs (Drs. Inadomi, Myers, Green, Gupta, Jerant and Ritvo) yielded details about trial conduct. Interview comparisons led to an iterative process informing serial interviews until a consensus was obtained on final taxonomy structure.ResultsThese taxonomy headings (Engagement Sponsor, Population Targeted, Alternative Screening Tests, Delivery Methods, and Support for Test Performance (EPADS)) were used to compare studies. Exemplary insights emphasized: 1) direct test delivery to patients; 2) linguistic-ethnic matching of staff to minority subjects; and 3) authorization of navigators to schedule or refer for colonoscopies and/or distribute stool blood tests during screening promotion.ConclusionPIs of key RCTs (2012-2015) derived a CRCS taxonomy useful in detailed examination of CRCS promotion and design of future RCTs.