Participant Follow-up Officers

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) (external site) sends reminders (either digitally or by mail) to participants at various junction points along their screening pathway.

In addition, Participant Follow-up Function (PFUF) officers encourage program participants to progress through their screening pathway where they have received a positive iFOBT result and are not recorded on the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) (external site) as having attended the necessary follow-up, including:

• GP/primary health care provider appointment
• an assessment colonoscopy or other clinically relevant assessment.

The information collected updates the NCSR to ensure screening records are current.

The information accessed by PFUF officers on the NCSR is strictly confidential and protected by legislation. Only the participant (or their nominated personal representative or nominated healthcare provider) will be contacted to ensure privacy is maintained. When contacted, participants will be asked to answer identifying questions (for example, their date of birth or home address) to make sure the officer is speaking with the correct person.

The PFUF team also confirms with health professionals (GPs/specialists) and/or hospital databases to validate information, update the NCSR, and ensure screening records are complete and current.