MCC 2007 Spirit of Collaboration Award Winner Pamper Party for Breast Health
About the Initiative Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Screening mammography can reduce mortality from breast cancer by 20 percent to 30 percent in women aged 50 to 69 years old. Early detection of this common cancer is crucial to reducing the morbidity and mortality of this disease.
Results from a recent cancer cohort study of health maintenance organization members revealed declining screening rates during the 2000 to 2005 time frame. Women frequently cite many barriers to seeking out and receiving preventative health screening. Barriers such as caring for others, lack of transportation, distance of the service facility from the home, and fear of finding something wrong are common.
In an effort to reduce any perceived barriers, Molina Healthcare of Michigan developed and implemented, in collaboration with Karmanos Cancer Institute Mobil Mammography Unit and the Wellness Plan Clinics, the Pamper Party for Breast Health in April 2006.
Objectives
To identify women missing mammogram screening and improve the rate of Molina members screened.
To reduce the barrier of access to service by bringing the mammography unit to the health center where primary health services are received.
To continually educate members on the importance of self care as it relates to the three keys of early detection.
To educate members on activities of daily living that will lead to an improved sense of well-being and improved health.
The target population for the project was women 40 to 69 years old who had not had a mammogram screening during the years 2005 and 2006.
The Wellness Clinics were the selected sites used to pilot this initiative; collectively, 66.41 percent of members assigned to these sites had not had a mammogram. The project was conducted in stages so members would be familiar with the importance of mammography screening.
Interventions:
Each identified member was mailed a tri-fold brochure “Why Should I Get Checked for Breast and Cervical Cancer?” The brochure discussed mammography and “mammography myths” and showed a photograph of a mammography x-ray unit (February).
Each identified member received a punch-out style Breast Self Exam card (March).
Members received an invitation to the Pamper Party for Breast Health in April, and the letter gave details of the event. The Pamper Party served as the incentive for mammography. It included a mini massage, nail painting, nutritious foods, and a gift bag that included educational brochures on health topics such as taking medication, tobacco cessation, colorectal cancer, Pap test, etc., and a water bottle and spa kit in return for having a mammogram screening. An RN provided health education on the topic of performing a self breast exam and stress management. The invitation included information about transportation services offered by Molina.
Appointments were scheduled for every 15 minutes each hour.
A reminder letter was mailed one week prior to the scheduled appointment date.
A reminder phone call was made three days prior to the scheduled appointment date.
A breast health and mammography history was obtained on each member. (The history form was completed during the initial phone call to set up the appointment.)
Molina coordinated the schedule and provided a copy to Karmanos and the Wellness Plan clinics.
A post-exam attendee survey was conducted to evaluate program effectiveness and member perception.
Event Day Activities: On the day of the event, each member was registered and seen by a physician who performed a clinical breast exam. One office used the visit for the Pamper Party as an opportunity to perform physical exams and provide members with referrals and prescriptions as needed. The member was escorted to the mobile mammography van for the x-rays and escorted to the "pamper" area when the mammogram was completed. After the mammogram, each participant received individualized pampering and education on the afore-mentioned topics.
Impetus for the Collaboration
The impetus for the project was to reduce the barrier of access to care by providing transportation and mammography at the place where the member feels most comfortable, their doctor's office. The goal was to have women receive much needed preventative screening. Additionally, the issue of fear was addressed by giving the members a venue that was non-threatening, the Pamper Party.
Results The most significant achievement of this event was the number of first-timers who received a mammogram: 32 percent of women screened had never had a mammogram performed. The women's ages ranged between 55-58 years old. The next achievement was identification of women with abnormal mammograms: 13 percent of the participants had an abnormal screen and required additional follow-up care.
MCC Recognition
“Pamper Party for Breast Health” received the Michigan Cancer Consortium’s 2007 Spirit of Collaboration Award. The annual award is presented to member organizations that have done outstanding collaborative work to significantly move comprehensive cancer control activities forward in Michigan.