Mass Matters: Increasing Mammography Rates to Underserved Women

Author

Ingrid N. Cooper, Valparaiso University

Date of Award

5-2020

Degree Type

Evidence-Based Project Report

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Julie M. Brandy

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women in Indiana and the United States (Indiana Cancer Organization, 2019). An estimated 268,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed and 41,760 women died due to breast cancer in 2019 (ACS, 2019). Substantial breast cancer-related morbidity and mortality disparities persist among the underserved. Disparities in breast cancer outcomes are due to lower mammography screening rates, lack of timely follow-up of abnormal results, and lack of timely treatment initiation among women with breast cancer (Highfield et al., 2015). The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to address low mammography rates to the underserved population by implementation of an intervention to increase breast cancer screening at a site dedicated to assist the economically challenged by sending an informational letter and text message reminder for one’s scheduled mammogram appointment. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care was selected as a guideline to facilitate evidence into best practice to an underserved population serviced by several community health clinics in Northwest Indiana. Each participant received a mailed informational letter regarding the benefits of breast cancer screening and what a mammogram is. At the patient’s free will, she scheduled an appointment for a mammogram. Based on the date the mammogram scheduled, the participant received a text message reminder before the set appointment. Each appointment scheduled was detailed within the clinic’s EMR. The EMR was reviewed weekly of each appointment kept, rescheduled, cancelled, or no-show and documented within an Excel Spreadsheet. This data was categorized according to ethnic background, age, and insurance status to detail the crude rates of mammography. Data was analyzed utilizing the Chi square test of independence. Demographic information was calculated by descriptive statistics. A text message reminder was a statistically significant intervention to promote mammogram appointment adherence. Application of findings will be discussed.

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Recommended Citation

Cooper, Ingrid N., "Mass Matters: Increasing Mammography Rates to Underserved Women" (2020). Evidence-Based Practice Project Reports. 143.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/ebpr/143