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Patient compliance in mobile screening mammography
E D Pisano1, B C Yankaskas, S V Ghate
1Department of Radiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, USA.
Academic Radiology
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Women using mobile mammography vans showed low follow-up compliance with abnormal screening mammogram results. This highlights potential access barriers for rural women needing further diagnostic evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Radiology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Mobile mammography vans provide crucial screening services to rural populations.
- Assessing follow-up behavior after abnormal screening mammograms is vital for early cancer detection.
- Understanding compliance barriers is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the follow-up adherence of women receiving abnormal screening mammogram results from a mobile van.
- To identify factors influencing compliance with radiologist recommendations for further diagnostic procedures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of women served by a rural North Carolina mobile mammography van (1988-1991).
- Assessed compliance via patient records and mail surveys for incomplete records.
- Analyzed compliance rates based on mammogram findings and patient history.
Main Results:
- Overall compliance with follow-up recommendations was suboptimal.
- Compliance rates varied by mammogram finding: 44% (negative/benign), 57% (indeterminate), 62% (malignant).
- Prior mammograms and malignant findings were associated with higher compliance.
Conclusions:
- Compliance with follow-up recommendations was lower than anticipated in this mobile mammography setting.
- Limited access to resources may hinder appropriate follow-up for rural women.
- Further research is necessary to understand and address poor compliance.