A recent study published in JAMA, co-led by researchers at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Wake Forest University School of Medicine, has shown promising results in increasing recommended lung cancer screening for high-risk individuals through a direct-to-patient digital health program.
Lung cancer is a major cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, yet only a small percentage of eligible individuals undergo recommended screening. Early detection through screening can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer death, according to the National Cancer Institute. However, barriers such as identifying screening-eligible patients, limited awareness of screening recommendations, and time constraints during primary care visits have hindered screening efforts.
The study aimed to overcome these barriers by implementing an interactive digital program outside of regular outpatient visits. The mPATH-Lung online program, which included educational videos, decision aids, and appointment scheduling options, was offered to screening-eligible individuals with a history of smoking. Control participants received a recommendation to discuss screening with their primary care clinician.
Key findings from the study included:
– At 16 weeks, 25% of participants using the mPATH-Lung program completed a screening CT scan, compared to 17% in the control group.
– Screening rates improved across all demographic and socioeconomic groups.
– No complications were reported from screening-related procedures.
The researchers emphasized that digital outreach through electronic health record portals or text messaging is a scalable and effective way to increase screening rates. The study demonstrated improvements in screening access for populations that have historically faced disparities in healthcare.
Dr. Alison Brenner, an associate professor at the UNC School of Medicine and co-author of the study, highlighted the importance of translating research into real-world solutions for patients. Dr. Daniel S. Reuland, the UNC site lead for the study, expressed pride in the team’s efforts to improve screening outcomes for patients in North Carolina and beyond.
For more information, the study titled “A Direct-to-Patient Digital Health Program for Lung Cancer Screening” can be accessed in JAMA. The study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of digital health programs in increasing lung cancer screening rates.
This research was conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. For further details, please refer to the DOI link provided in the article.
