Below you will find information and program materials can help you implement your FLU-FIT or FLU-FOBT Program. Downloadable materials are provided in an editable format so you can customize them for your clinical setting. At the bottom of this page, you will also find a link to a new Staff Training Slides that can be used by program leaders to orient staff, and a downloadable Implementation Guide from the American Cancer Society that includes many of the materials listed below.
Information, Resources, and Education Materials from the US Centers For Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
2008 US Preventive Services Task Force Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines
http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf08/colocancer/colors.htm
This document explains the difference between guaiac FOBT and FIT, and the rational for using high sensitivity stool tests for colorectal cancer screening.
There are many FIT and FOBT brands on the market. We do not endorse any single product, but have provided some information about commonly used brands to consider using.
You will want to tailor your advertising to your patients and your healthcare organization. Here are some samples of materials that have been used by others.
In general, patients aged 50-75 with no FIT or FOBT in the last year and no colonsoscopy in the last 10 years are eligible for FIT or FOBT. Patients with felxiblle sigmoidoscopy in the the last 5 years are eligible for FIT or FOBT. Here is an algorithm for staff to use when providing FIT or FOBT to patients.
You can provide staff with a fact sheet such as this one so they will feel comfortable with their knowledge and ability to talk to patients about colorectal cancer screening and FIT/FOBT.
Test instructions may be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. However, in some cases, these instructions may not be available in the patient’s primary language or may not match the patient’s literacy level. We present some examples of materials for some commonly used types of FIT and FOBT that you may choose to use or edit for your patient population:
FIT - InSure Brand Instructions
FOBT Visual Instructions
Visual Aid for dietary restrictions and collection if using FOBT
FOBT Instructions for Low Literacy Patients in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Russian
These brief, low literacy videos in multiple languages may be useful for training clinic staff and patients about the importance of FOBT or FIT, and how to complete the test.
It is a good idea to keep a record of FIT or FOBT kits handed out on the same log where have patients sign to acknowledge receipt of flu vaccines. This helps your staff remember to offer FIT or FOBT when needed with every flu shot.
A tracking sheet can be used to identify patients who need reminders to complete FIT or FOBT kits dispensed, and to track follow-up of abnormal test results.
Postcard reminders can encourage patients to complete FIT/FOBT kits they are given. We have provided a postcard file that you may download, modify and print in double-sided format to be sent to patients.
Telephone calls are also effective if you have staffing and resources to provide them. They can be provided as personal calls if you have staff available to do them. They can also be done as “robo-calls” or automated telephone calls, if you have access to this technology in your clinical setting.
With our assistance, the American Cancer Society has created a slide set to help local program leaders teach clinic staff about colorectal cancer and about how to implement these programs:
American Cancer Society FluFOBT Website:
For additional FluFOBT Program information and materials developed in collaboration with the American Cancer Society, go to:
Website Link
The University of Colorado, Denver has posted a recorded webinar on the FluFOBT Program oriented to community health centers on YouTube:
Youtube Video Link