Interventions that increase the use of cancer screening: a systematic review.
Classic Abstract– Poster Presentation
Trybou, Jeroen; assistant professor Healthcare Management & Policy, Ghent University, Belgium
Pil, Lore; PhD-researcher Health Economics (Prevention); Ghent University, Belgium
Annemans, Lieven; full professor Health Economics & Health Policy, Ghent University, Belgium
Abstract
Context:
A vast amount of literature on different interventions that aim to increase the use of cancer screening has been published. However, the evidence has become fragmented and lacks a systematic overview. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of interventions by synthesizing the findings of published empirical studies. Our research questions are: (1) to what extent have interventions been effective? and (2) what specific design features contribute to (un)desired effects?
Methods:
A systematic literature search in six electronic databases (Embase, Pubmed, Cinahl, PsychInfo, Web of Science, and Eric databases) for studies published between January 1990 and December 2015, supplemented by reference tracking. A methodological quality score for each included article was assigned.
Results:
Different types of interventions that focus on the participation of cancer screening were identified. These interventions focus on patients, providers, care organizations and the community at large. The different types of interventions are heterogeneous in nature and were frequently multifaceted. Specific interventions were the use of reminders towards patients and providers, feedback to providers and care organizations and financial incentives for patient, provider and care organizations. Most of these interventions were effective in increasing screening participation.
Discussion:
Cancer screening participation is of the upmost importance to public health. Unfortunately participation rates of cancer screening such as breast cancer screening, cervix cancer screening and colorectal cancer screening are frequently unsatisfactory. Our systematic review shows that design choices of screening programmes have an impact on participation rates. Health Policy makers should be aware of these possibilities and implement these features. Future research should focus on which specific interventions are most effective. Moreover, since these interventions are multifaceted in nature and can be combined we consider this as an avenue for future research
Biography
Jeroen Trybou is Assistant Professor Healthcare Management and Policy. He combines an economic and clinical background. His research focuses on the Organization and Financing of Healthcare (Health Services Research). In addition he acts as senior advisor and BU-manager Healthcare Finance for several healthcare organizations (ProbisConulting).
Lore Pil has a master degree in Sociology (2010) and Health promotion (2011). She started a Phd in Health Economics at Ghent University in March 2012. She worked on several cost-analyses and cost-effectiveness studies of prevention programs such as breast- cervix- and colorectal cancer screening programs in Flanders, Skin cancer screening, international prevention of obesity in pre-schoolers and the Suicide-Helpline in Flanders.
LievenAnnemans is Full Professor of Health Economics at the University of Ghent, since 2001. He was the Chairman of the Flemish Health Council for eight years and is honorary president of the International Association for pharma-economy. He has over 150 publications and is a frequently asked speaker in the media.