Impact of Patient Navigation on Population-Based Breast Screening: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Tian et al (2022)

Health Evidence - 10.1007/s11606-022-07641-y

Go to publication

Evidence Categories

• Care setting: Not described
• Population group: Women
• Population group: Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic populations
• Population group: High income
• Population group: Young adults (18-25)
• Population group: Older adults
• Population group: Low income
• Intervention: Patient navigation services
• Outcome: Screening: Uptake of breast cancer screening

Type of Evidence

Systematic Review

Aims

This study synthesized the literatures addressing the impact of patient navigation (PN) interventions on population-based breast cancer screening promotion to identify characteristics of the model for addressing breast cancer disparities.

Findings

Of 236 abstracts identified, 15 studies met inclusion criteria. Nine of the papers evaluated the impact of PN on breast screening, while the other six were on the resolution of abnormal screening results. Compared to the non-PN group, PN improved screening completion (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4-2.8]) and shortened the time to diagnosis (WMD: - 9.90 days, 95% CI: - 19.09 to - 0.71).

Conclusions

Patient navigation improves breast cancer screening rates but does not improve resolution of abnormal tests.