Fall Research Expo 2024

The Impact of New Pennsylvania Laws and Behavioral Nudges on Breast MRI Utilization

Breast cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death among women in the U.S. But how did it become such an issue? Cancer detection in both men and women plays a large role in the feasibility of proper cancer diagnosis and treatment. Mammograms are the typical screening process for making sure breast cancer is non-existent in women. However, if a woman has high breast density, we cannot tell if they have tumors or growths in their breasts. Therefore, MRI is the preferred screening method for detecting potential cancers. Women with high breast density qualify for free MRI imaging after a new PA law was passed in 2022, allowing more women to see if they are at risk for breast cancer. Supplementing mammography with breast MRI has been shown to reduce interval cancers for women with extremely dense breasts, however few receive supplemental screening. To address this research-to-practice gap, we co-designed three patient-facing messages to increase MRI screening. Nudges in the form of text messages and chart recommendations were designed to provide and frame information to motivate behavioral change in ordering and recommending MRI’s. Once the radiologist identified high breast density, these nudges were sent to both the patient and provider, notifying them of eligibility for ordering and receiving a free MRI. Additionally, a text message is sent to the patient, informing them of their qualification. This qualitative analysis highlights themes that emerged in communications between patients and providers within contact initiating, barriers and facilitators to MRI, and tone in scheduling of MRI. Our study goal is early detection in identifying more breast cancer cases because more people are getting MRI’s through nudging.

Other
College of Arts & Sciences 2027
Advised By
Dr. Anne Marie McCarthy
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology
Other
Penn Medicine
College of Arts & Sciences 2027
Advised By
Dr. Anne Marie McCarthy
Assistant Professor of Epidemiology

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