4024.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - Board 7

Abstract #19202

Breast health beads & poster: Adaptation of a successful tool for patients & health care providers

Margy Wienbar, Health Care Quality Improvement Program, New Mexico Medical Review Associaiton, 2340 Menaul Blvd.,NE, Suite 300, Albuquerque, NM 87107, 505.998.9753, nmpro.mwienbar@sdps.org

Screening mammography is important to detecting breast cancer early when it is most treatable. Increasing physician reminder for mammography has a great impact on women's utilization of screening mammography. Utilizing the successful concept of the breast health beads which demonstrate the value of early detection of breast cancer, the New Mexico Medical Review Association (NMMRA) adapted this intervention to serve as a patient and provider tool in physician exam rooms. The beads are coupled with a poster that explains what each bead means and emphasize the value of early detection. The poster and beads together can serve as a prompt for providers to make a referral for a mammogram and also serve as an educational tool for patients. The intervention was piloted in 2 primary care clinical settings and in a hospital outpatient women's health program. Measurement consists of baseline and post implementation chart audits as well as staff and patient surveys to determine the impact of the intervention. Data from the pilot sites, lessons learned, major successes, barriers and proposed adjustments to the intervention will be presented.

Learning Objectives: Presenter will discuss the adaptation of the beads necklance into a tool that can be utilized in clinic setting to increase utilization of screening mammography.

Keywords: Breast Cancer Screening, Intervention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New Mexico Medical Review Association, Health Care Financing Administration
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA