Improvement of participation rate in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening by training general practitioners in motivational interviewing (AmDepCCR).

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in France (17,712 annual deaths). However, this cancer is preventable in the majority of cases by the early detection of adenomas. In France, the organized screening for CRC relies on general practitioners (GPs). The tests delivered by the GPs are carried out in 89% of cases. However, GPs do not systematically offer the test, because of time management and communication.

Methods: AmDepCCR is a cluster randomized trial. Patients are prospectively included by their GPs. The study is designed in 2 phases for the GPs: first, GPs who have never participated in motivational interviewing (MI) training will be recruited then randomly split in 2 groups. Secondly, a 6-day motivational interviewing training will be carried out for the intervention group. Then, patients will be included in both groups during a period of 1 year. The primary outcome will be the number of CRC screenings achieved in each group and its difference. The secondary outcome will be the reluctance to screening and the patient's self-estimated life expectancy at 0, 6, 12, and 24 months using the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Discussion: This study will help to know if GPs motivational interviewing is useful to improve organized CRC screening. In addition, it may help to improve communication between patients and GPs. GPs will be able to improve their practice in other fields of application through motivational interviewing (other screenings, addictions…).

Trial Registration: 2019-A01776-51 NCT04492215 .