Improving Breast Cancer Screening in Underserved Communities
Author Information
Author(s): Sherri Sheinfeld Gorin, Alfred R Ashford, Rafael Lantigua, Manisha Desai, Andrea Troxel, Donald Gemson
Primary Institution: Columbia University
Hypothesis
Does enhanced academic detailing increase recommendations for breast cancer screening among primary care physicians in underserved areas?
Conclusion
The study found evidence that enhanced academic detailing improved breast cancer screening practices among primary care physicians in urban underserved communities.
Supporting Evidence
- The intervention led to a statistically significant increase in recommendations for clinical breast examinations.
- Physicians in the intervention group reported higher self-efficacy in counseling for prevention.
- The study showed that academic detailing can effectively address barriers to breast cancer screening.
Takeaway
Doctors in underserved areas can recommend more breast cancer screenings if they get extra training and support.
Methodology
The study randomized 94 physicians in northern Manhattan to receive enhanced academic detailing and compared them to 74 control physicians in the South Bronx.
Potential Biases
There may be significant unmeasured differences between intervention and control groups at baseline.
Limitations
The findings may reflect physician over-reporting of their behaviors and potential ceiling effects due to high baseline screening rates.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primary care physicians serving African American and Hispanic women in northern Manhattan and the South Bronx.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.31, 3.46
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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