Effectiveness and Implementation of mPATH-CRC

The study team has developed mPATH-CRC (mobile PAtient Technology for Health-Colorectal Cancer), a patient-friendly iPad program used by individuals immediately before a routine primary care visit. mPATH-CheckIn is a module that is used in conjunction with mPATH-CRC that consists of questions asked of all adult patients at check-in. mPATH-CRC is a module specific for patients due for CRC screening. To fully realize mPATH-CRC's potential to decrease CRC mortality, the program now must be implemented in primary care practices in a way that encourages routine and sustained use. However, while hundreds of mobile health (mHealth) tools have been developed in recent years, the optimal strategies for implementing and maintaining mHealth interventions in clinical practice are unknown. This study will compare the results of a "high touch" strategy to a "low touch" strategy using a Type III hybrid design and incorporating mixed methods to evaluate implementation, maintenance, and effectiveness of mPATH-CRC in a diverse sample of community-based practices. The study will be conducted in three phases: 1) in a cluster-randomized controlled trial of 22 primary care clinics, the study team will compare the implementation outcomes of a "high touch" evidence-based mHealth implementation strategy with a "low touch" implementation strategy; 2) in a nested pragmatic study, the study team will estimate the effect of mPATH-CRC on completion of CRC screening within 16 weeks of a clinic visit; and 3) by surveying and interviewing clinic staff and providers after implementation is complete, the study team will determine the factors that facilitate or impede the maintenance of mHealth interventions.