Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (CBCCEDP) and Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) at Hartford Hospital Cancer Clinical Research Office Patient Compliance/Incentive Study Investigators: Maria L. Palomares, BA, Maria Rodriguez-Furlow, Rhea DeBari, RN, MSN, Camille Servodidio, RN, MPH, Jennifer Miller, MS, Ilene Staff, Ph D

The CBCCEDP/WISEWOMAN provides free screening exams for low income, uninsured, and medically underserved women. This grant allows women to gain access to screening exams for the early detection of breast and cervical cancers and CVD.

Offering these services does not accomplish the purpose of early detection unless patients attend their appointments as scheduled. The CBCCEDP/WISEWOMAN “No show” rate in 2004 was approximately 25%.

CDC patients scheduled in 2004 = approximately 1,000 CDC no show patients in 2004 = approximately 250 (25%)

? Will awarding an incentive gift to women enrolled in the CBCCEDP/WISEWOMAN increase the compliance for scheduled appointments?

Background The Process of Change Developed by Dr. James Prochaska and his colleagues of the University of Rhode Island Cancer Prevention Research Center has been used to promote optimal health by supporting behavioral change in the areas of smoking, diet, alcohol and substance abuse, eating disorders, and panic disorders.

Methods At the time of appointment scheduling, participants will be presented with the opportunity to participate in the study. If a patient verbally agrees to participate, she will receive a beauty gift set ($5.00 value) when she arrives at the scheduled appointment. At the time of appointment scheduling, participants will be presented with the opportunity to participate in the study. If a patient verbally agrees to participate, she will receive a beauty gift set ($5.00 value) when she arrives at the scheduled appointment. From to , 67 patients have agreed to participate. 1 patient declined.

Goal Through the utilization of positive reinforcement behavior modification used in this project, the authors will be able to affect positive changes in behavior, and demonstrate an increase in the appointment compliance for clinical breast exams, mammography, Pap test, cholesterol and glucose screening.

Results The CBCCEDP/WISEWOMAN started the Incentive Study on August 15, 2005 and the results have been extremely positive % (33/34) of the patients participating in this Study have attended their appointments as scheduled. Definitive results will be published in August 2006.

Results up to (0%) (7.6%)