Studies that compared reminders to physicians with controls and reported on the uptake of faecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer screening were included. Studies could include participants of any age or sex, the testing had to be performed in primary care or a hospital clinic and the studies had to assess faecal occult blood testing or endoscopic surveillance.
In the included studies, patient ages ranged from 22 to 80 years and between 52 and 64% were women (where stated). Most were set in primary care, one was a hospital and primary care and one was in a community health centre. Reminders were either electronic or notes/memos in patient notes. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 30 months.
Studies were selected by two independent reviewers and confirmed by a third reviewer.