A tool to help older women and doctors discuss mammography screening.
A Conversation Aid on Mammography Screening to Support Shared Decision Making between Clinicians and Women Aged 75 and Older
This study is creating an easy-to-use online tool to help doctors and women over 75 talk about the pros and cons of getting mammograms, so they can make informed choices together based on each woman's health and cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10760310 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research develops a web-based conversation aid designed to support shared decision making between primary care providers and women aged 75 and older regarding mammography screening. It addresses the uncertainty surrounding the benefits and harms of screening in this age group, aiming to provide personalized information based on individual breast cancer risk and health status. The tool is intended to facilitate discussions about the trade-offs of early cancer detection versus potential overdiagnosis and treatment harms, ultimately improving patient engagement and satisfaction in decision making.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women aged 75 and older who are considering mammography screening.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 75 or those who have already made a decision regarding mammography screening may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower older women to make informed decisions about mammography screening that align with their health needs and preferences.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that conversation aids can effectively improve shared decision making in various medical contexts, indicating a promising approach for this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schonberg, Mara a — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Schonberg, Mara a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.