Return to bowel screening after a false-positive faecal immunochemical test in BowelScreen (the National Bowel Screening Programme in Ireland).

Objective: Little research exists on what predicts individual return to screening after a false-positive faecal immunochemical test in a population bowel screening programme. We aimed to quantify the impact of false-positive faecal immunochemical test in the first round of screening on re-attendance in BowelScreen, the National Bowel Screening Programme in Ireland. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. False-positivity was defined as a positive faecal immunochemical test with subsequent colonoscopy showing no evidence of malignancy or surveillance requirement. In those with a false-positive faecal immunochemical test, logistic regression was used to predict repeat participation in the second round. Results: Of 196,149 individuals who attended the first screening round, 108,075 were eligible and re-invited in the second round, and 93,971 accepted the invitation (86.9%). Second round uptake was higher in faecal immunochemical test-negative individuals compared with those having false-positive results (87.5% vs. 73.1%; p < 0.001). Older age (odds ratio (OR) 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–0.94), computed tomography colonography (unsuitability/failed colonoscopy) (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.21–0.73), and longer duration from screening invitation to faecal immunochemical test result (OR 0.991; 95% CI 0.9872–0.995) were predictors of non-re-attendance in the next screening round. Conclusion: There is a significant reduction in re-attendance rates for individuals with false-positive faecal immunochemical test results. The letter sent following a negative colonoscopy is being reviewed to ensure that it provides adequate encouragement to re-attend. There are roles for screening promotion and for Gastroenterologists and Advanced Nurse Practitioners to emphasize the importance of regular faecal immunochemical tests after a negative colonoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]