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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Carrie Larson, GradDipPH1, Michele Albert, MPH, CHES2, Judith K. Barr, ScD3, Maureen Curry, BSHA2, Jennifer Mongoven, BA1, and Katie Testa, RN, BSN2. (1) Quality Improvement Services, Qualidigm, 100 Roscommon Drive, Suite 200, Middletown, CT 06457, 860-613-4184, clarson@qualidigm.org, (2) Medicare Quality Improvement, Qualidigm, 100 Roscommon Drive, Suite 200, Middletown, CT 06457, (3) Qualidigm, 100 Roscommon Road, Suite 200, Middletown, CT 06457
Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence and the second cause of cancer death in women in the United States. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) contracted with Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) to intervene to increase rates of preventive mammography screenings because evidence shows that early detection is the key to optimal treatment. To meet this goal in Connecticut, Qualidigm developed two related projects. The first project focuses on all female Medicare beneficiaries age 50 and over. Recognizing that women under age 65 are likely to have Medicare coverage because of disabilities and special needs, Qualidigm® worked with organizations that serve women with disabilities and learned many of the barriers to preventive services. To address these issues, Qualidigm developed the ABACUS (Assessing Barriers and Creating Useful Solutions) project, with support from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. This pilot project seeks to identify and reduce barriers that women with disabilities encounter in gaining access to mammography services. The ABACUS project includes three components: site assessments of mammography facilities; continuing education workshops for radiologic technologists; and outreach to women with disabilities through focus groups and a specially designed mailed brochure ("Questions to Ask When Scheduling a Mammogram"). Initial results indicate the site assessments are useful in helping improve access with simple changes; technologists are responsive to awareness and sensitivity training about disability and mammography, and women with disabilities are receptive to information about benefits and access issues.
Learning Objectives:
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.