Abstract P3-05-11: Patient Experience and Perceptions Related to Breast Health, Mammography and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
The Promise Fund and Hologic Inc. have partnered to expand access to AI-supported breast cancer screening exams in a medically underserved population. As part of this initiative, patient focus groups and patient navigator interviews were conducted to explore patient experiences and perceptions related to breast health, mammography, and artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. These interviews were held, virtually, between February and March 2024, and focus groups were held, in-person, on April 9-10, 2024, with participants at FoundCare and the Community Health Center. FoundCare, a federally qualified health center (FQHC), and Community Health Center, a free clinic, both collaborate with the Promise Fund in promoting access to women’s breast and cervical health screenings, diagnostic follow up and cancer care services. The in-person sessions, attended by twenty patients, and the virtual interviews, attended by six patient navigators, were designed to represent diverse linguistic, racial, and cultural backgrounds, including multiple Spanish-speaking communities from Mexico, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Chile, and Venezuela. All patient navigators were adult women from various free clinics and FQHCs. Patient participants were adult females, all at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Key themes from the discussions included: 1. Health Information Sources: Patients primarily relied on the internet, community health centers, medical visits, family, and cultural community communications for health information. Some patients expressed difficulty in keeping up with health information and emphasized the importance of direct medical consultations with providers and preventive care. Patient navigators were a critical source of information once the patient could access and be connected to that resource. Clinical health and more upstream social services, such as transportation to health appointments and family food security, were also critical needs that patient navigators were key in facilitating. 2. Mammogram Experiences: Experiences with mammograms varied, with some patients reporting pain and discomfort, particularly those with implants. Regular screenings, family history of breast cancer, and personal vigilance were common motivators for mammograms. Financial barriers, insurance issues, and the need for patient advocacy were frequently highlighted. 3. AI in Healthcare: Patients had mixed levels of awareness and understanding of AI. Many associated AI with advanced diagnostics and potential improvements in early disease detection and surgical precision. Concerns included the potential loss of personal interactions with healthcare providers, privacy issues, and the fear of job displacement. However, patients had key opinions on AI that were more favorable than anticipated. There was optimism about AI’s ability to enhance diagnostic accuracy, patient experience, provider trustworthiness, and treatment outcomes. Additionally, both patients and patient navigators preferred that physicians and AI work together. Patient navigators were even more familiar with AI. Given the critical role patient navigators hold, their knowledge may play an integral role in improving patient education and access to new technologies in the future. 4. Whole Health Experience: Patients expressed a desire for a more comfortable and supportive mammography process, greater access to care, enhanced trust between patients and providers, and comprehensive information sharing across healthcare providers. Education on breast cancer, early detection, and AI in healthcare was identified as a critical need. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of trustworthy, patient-centered approaches in healthcare, particularly in the integration of AI technologies. Enhancing patient education and provider transparency, improving access to preventive services, and maintaining the human element in healthcare are essential for optimizing patient outcomes and satisfaction. Citation Format: Nancy Brinker. Patient Experience and Perceptions Related to Breast Health, Mammography and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2024; 2024 Dec 10-13; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2025;31(12 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-05-11.
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