Urban Women’s Preferences for Learning of Their Mammogram Result: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Research suggests that communication of mammogram results is flawed for many low-income ethnic minority women. This study conducted four focus groups with low-income inner-city minority women (n = 34). The goals of our project were: (1) to elucidate women's experiences learning of their result; (2) to elicit their preferences as to how this communication could be improved; and (3) to gather information to help inform the development of a new tool for communicating mammogram results. Salient themes included dissatisfaction with result communication; difficulty elucidating the meaning of a typical results notification letter; a preference for direct verbal communication of results and for print materials that included pictures, testimonials, and an action plan including a hotline to call with questions; and a strong interest in advance education about the likelihood of having to return for additional follow up. Video and other programs to inform patients before the test about what happens after may improve patient satisfaction and enhance women's understanding of their personal result and follow up plan.

Knowledge of Density and Screening Ultrasound

“…In particular, women without a college degree, non‐Caucasian women, and those living in areas with lower median incomes were significantly less likely to have knowledge of their dense breast tissue. These results are comparable to prior studies that have demonstrated minority ethnicity and/or lower socioeconomic status are associated with decreased understanding of mammography results and inappropriate use of mammography , as well as similar studies regarding breast density awareness in the general population .…”

Mammography Screening: Gaps in Patient's and Physician's Needs for Shared Decision-Making

“…While some physicians described ways they educate their patients about such possibilities in the short time period allotted in a clinic visit, the women unanimously felt ill-prepared when called back for further imaging, echoing findings in the literature (15). Our findings reinforce research that women overwhelmingly wanted to know this possibility beforehand and felt understanding that false positives are a possibility would serve more as a reassurance when called back rather than a deterrent to initial screening (16, 17). These discrepancies between women’s expectations for their healthcare providers and the provider’s time restricted ability speaks to another critical gap.…”

Patient Preferences for Receiving Reports of Test Results

“…A qualitative study of preferences for obtaining mammogram results among urban women found that many of the women had difficulty interpreting the results in a typical results notification letter. 20 Many women misinterpreted their results because they could not understand the language their providers used in the letter. However, we did not observe a significant correlation between a patient's self-described understanding of a test and their comfort level with the delivery of test results.…”