Barriers to timely mammography.
A survey of 399 women between 50 and 59 years of age was conducted to learn how we could improve their compliance with mammography screening guidelines. Our results showed that 78% of the women surveyed believed their physician would tell them if they needed a mammogram. Women who had not had a mammogram were more likely to be misinformed about indications for mammography than women who had had a mammogram. Women who had not had a mammogram were less likely to visit a health center than were women who had had a mammogram. A multifaceted approach including patient education to correct misinformation, reminder systems for women not seen regularly in health centers, and physician reminders may have the most impact.
Mastroberti
M
M
Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of CT, Farmington 06034, USA.
Stein
J E
JE
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D017010:Reminder Systems; D016387:Women's Health