What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to understand how digital health tools like patient portals can enhance colorectal cancer screening in Federally Qualified Health Centers.

January 17, 2026Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities0 citationsOpen Access

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Optimizing Digital Health Tools for Colorectal Cancer Screening Uptake in Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers: Insights From the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research and Technology Acceptance Model

AEAldenise Ewing DTDede Teteh PZPortia Zaire

Key Points

This study aims to understand how digital health tools like patient portals can enhance colorectal cancer screening in Federally Qualified Health Centers.
Conducted a convergent mixed-methods study across three FQHCs in the Midwest.
Utilized surveys and semi-structured interviews based on CFIR and TAM frameworks.
Involved patients aged 45–75 and healthcare personnel engaged with the patient portal.
74% of patients found the patient portal easy to use.
79% of patients believed the portal would assist in scheduling screenings.
94% of personnel supported the portal's implementation and its role in promoting CRC screening.
Identified barriers included limited access and low digital literacy.
Participants suggested strategies for improving usability and content relevance.

Abstract

Abstract Background Patient portals integrated within electronic health records (EHRs) offer a scalable strategy to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening by providing access to education, appointment scheduling, screening reminders, and enhanced communication. However, little is known about how patients and personnel in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) engage with these tools to support CRC prevention. Methods This convergent mixed-methods study assessed barriers, facilitators, and recommendations related to patient portal use and CRC screening promotion in three FQHCs in the Midwest. Surveys and semi-structured interviews were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Eligible participants included patients aged 45–75 and personnel engaged in patient care or portal use. Results Seventeen patients and 17 personnel completed surveys and interviews. Most patients (74%) and personnel (71%) found the portal easy to use, and 79% of patients believed it would support cancer screening scheduling. Nearly all personnel (94%) supported portal implementation and were willing to promote CRC screening through it. Identified facilitators included accessible design, embedded education, and alignment with clinical workflows. Barriers included limited access, low digital literacy, and competing staff demands. Participants offered strategies to improve usability, promote culturally relevant content, and deliver preparatory education via the portal. Feedback on a digital CRC screening video suggested strong motivation to screen and support for future integration into portal workflows. Conclusion Patient portals are feasible and acceptable tools for increasing CRC screening in FQHCs. Implementation strategies addressing access, literacy, and content relevance are needed to optimize portal-based interventions.

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Cite This Study

Ewing et al. (Thu,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/696b26b2d2a12237a9349fd8 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-025-02772-4

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