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Published on: August 1, 2019
A randomized intervention to improve ongoing participation in mammography
J K Barr1, A L Franks, N C Lee
1Medical Quality Improvement, Qualidigm, 100 Roscommon Drive, Middletown, CT 06457, USA. jbarr@qualidigm.org
The American Journal of Managed Care
|September 26, 2001
Summary
Telephone reminders significantly increased mammography screening participation compared to publicity. Mail reminders were ineffective, suggesting health plans should evaluate outreach strategies before investing in mailings.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Regular breast cancer screening, particularly mammography, is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes.
- Adherence to recommended screening guidelines can be challenging for many women.
- Effective outreach strategies are needed to promote consistent participation in mammography screening programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different outreach interventions aimed at increasing regular breast cancer screening rates.
- To compare the impact of mail reminders and telephone reminders with a routine publicity campaign on mammography screening participation.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 1908 women aged 50-75 years enrolled in a group-model Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).
- Participants were randomized to receive a mail reminder, a telephone reminder with appointment scheduling, or a routine publicity campaign.
- Outcome was measured by mammogram receipt within 2 years following the intervention period, using administrative data and chart reviews.
Main Results:
- Telephone reminders significantly increased mammography screening participation compared to the routine publicity campaign.
- Mail reminders showed no significant improvement in participation rates over the routine publicity campaign.
- Visits to primary care physicians and gynecologists were associated with increased likelihood of subsequent mammograms across all intervention groups.
Conclusions:
- Telephone contact by health plan staff is a more effective strategy than publicity for encouraging continued mammography screening participation in managed care settings.
- Health plans should exercise caution regarding investments in mailings for mammography screening promotion without prior effectiveness evaluation.
- Integrating outreach efforts with primary care and gynecological visits may enhance screening adherence.
