The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68186

Elizabeth MF Jael, MPH¹, David L. Driscoll, PhD, MPH¹, Janet O'Keeffe, DrPH, RN², and Lucia Rojas-Smith, DrPH². (1) Health Communications Program, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 919-485-2752, jael@rti.org, (2) Health Economics Research Division, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Recently, there has been a strong push to translate research into practice. Towards that end, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services funded the Medicare Screening Messages project using the US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. One of the goals of the Medicare Screening Messages project was to develop four messages for people with Medicare (65+) on the topics of cervical cancer screening, osteoporosis screening, mammography, and PSA testing, using the USPSTF evidence-based recommendations. This study aimed to help Medicare beneficiaries make more informed decisions about whether to request specific screening tests, based on understanding the USPSTF recommendations and why they are important in achieving health benefits. To develop these messages, RTI first examined background research to assist in understanding the audiences which the topics were aimed at. RTI then developed short 1-4 page pamphlets or brochures to test the messages based on the recommendations and issues found through previous research. RTI then cognitively tested the messages for appropriate content, comprehension, navigation, and motivation to read and use the information provided. We then revised and tested the messages again. While each message had specific findings related to the topic and the audience, overarching findings include: 1)Translating population based information for individuals is problematic since most people make health care decisions based on what will happen to them personally, not what happens to the population; 2) USPTSF recommendations are not straightforward and therefore difficult to translate into straightforward messages for beneficiaries; 3)Basic anatomical terms, such as cervix, must be defined; and 4)Statistics, particularly conveying risk, is very difficult to understand. This session will describe the process used to produce these health promotion messages as well as difficulties inherent in translating research into practice, specifically translating population-level information for individual-level interest. Examples of the health promotion messages will be provided during the session. Topics addressed will include cognitive testing, participant recruitment and evaluation and design of the materials. For health services researchers, providers, and health communication researchers who work with older populations, this session will help elucidate difficulties conveying health care issues and how to help older adults understand health care issues and make health care decisions.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
• • Describe the process of translating population level data for individual level consumption
• • Articulate the difficulties translating research into practice
• • List several ways to assist Medicare beneficiaries to make informed decisions about their medical care

Keywords: Medicare, Health Communications

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.