New Data Shows That Engaging Patients with Relevant Cancer-Prevention Information During Check-In Increases Screening Rates

Rhea-AI Summary

Phreesia's breast cancer-prevention campaign resulted in 32% of patients requesting a screening, showcasing the positive impact of their platform on increasing cancer screening rates.

Insights

Medical Research Analyst

The data released by Phreesia regarding the effectiveness of its cancer prevention campaigns in increasing the rates of cancer screenings is a testament to the potential of targeted health communications. The reported 32% uptick in patients requesting screenings post-exposure to the campaign underscores the role of patient engagement strategies in preventive healthcare. From a medical research perspective, this suggests that interventions at the point of care can significantly influence patient behavior and potentially improve early detection rates of diseases such as breast cancer.

Early detection is critical in managing cancer effectively and increased screening rates can lead to earlier diagnosis, which is associated with better prognosis and survival rates. The implications for healthcare providers and payers are substantial, as this could translate into reduced long-term costs associated with late-stage cancer treatments and improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, the utilization of digital platforms for patient education and engagement could be a scalable approach to preventive health measures across various conditions.

Healthcare Economist

The initiative by Phreesia to drive cancer screenings through its platform may have significant economic implications. By facilitating early detection of cancer, healthcare systems can potentially avoid the higher costs associated with treating advanced stages of the disease. For instance, early-stage breast cancer treatment is generally less expensive and less extensive than later-stage treatment, which often involves more aggressive and costly interventions.

Moreover, the increase in screening rates could lead to a higher demand for screening services, impacting healthcare providers and potentially increasing revenue for facilities offering these services. However, it is also essential to consider the cost-effectiveness of such campaigns. The investment in patient outreach and education must be weighed against the savings from reduced advanced cancer treatments and the value of extended life years and improved quality of life for patients.

Market Research Analyst

From a market research viewpoint, Phreesia's analysis provides insights into consumer behavior within the healthcare industry. The significant response to the cancer prevention campaign indicates a market opportunity for companies that develop patient engagement and education technologies. As healthcare continues to shift towards a more patient-centered model, tools that can effectively communicate with patients and influence their health-related decisions are likely to see increased adoption.

This trend could have ripple effects on the healthcare market, influencing the strategies of pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers and insurance companies. Companies that can demonstrate a tangible impact on patient outcomes through their services or technologies may gain a competitive edge. Additionally, this could lead to partnerships or acquisitions as larger healthcare entities look to integrate effective patient engagement solutions into their offerings.

32% of Patients Who Saw a Breast Cancer-Prevention Campaign Requested a Screening

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Phreesia, a leader in patient intake, outreach and activation, is proud to release data from an analysis of its cancer prevention campaigns illustrating the significant impact its platform can have on increasing rates of cancer screenings. By engaging patients at critical moments in their healthcare journey, Phreesia is driving an effort to ensure that cancer is caught early, at a stage when it can be treated with good health outcomes.

The analysis revealed that when patients were shown relevant and accurate cancer prevention information while checking in for a visit with their doctor, they found the information helpful and said they would discuss preventive screenings with their doctor or request appointments.

“We underestimate the lifesaving value of clear communications directly to patients about the importance of cancer screenings,” said Hilary Hatch, PhD, a clinical psychologist and Phreesia’s Chief Clinical Officer. “Our technology reaches patients due for preventive care to ensure they are informed and ready to take an active role in getting timely cancer screenings.”

The results highlight a range of different ways that Phreesia's platform helps to increase rates of necessary cancer screenings, which in turn, improves outcomes.

• During a breast cancer awareness campaign that reached 268,000 patients in 10 days, more than 80% of a representative sample of patients said the information they saw about breast cancer risks and screenings were helpful. Additionally:
  • Nearly all respondents who identified as Black (94%) and the majority of respondents who identified as non-white (89%) said the content was helpful, compared with 79% of respondents who identified as white, indicating the campaign’s benefit in helping to close racial disparities in awareness on a key topic.
• One health system asked more than 87,000 patients about mammogram screenings, and 32% of them requested a mammogram appointment.
• In a campaign on colorectal cancer screenings, 40% of responding patients identified risk factors that placed them in the “high risk” category for colorectal cancer, indicating a need for timely screening.
• One health system asked more than 4,800 women about their cervical cancer screenings during intake, and 30% said they would discuss cervical cancer screening options with their provider.
• In a lung cancer screening campaign, surveyed patients 50-80 years old with a history of smoking were 234% more likely to get screened for lung cancer after seeing the campaign when compared to patients who didn’t see the message.

"We believe that engaging patients with high-quality and relevant information about their health results in better health outcomes," said David Linetsky, SVP, Life Sciences, at Phreesia. “The life sciences companies, advocacy groups and nonprofit organizations we work with recognize that educating patients about cancer prevention at the point of care saves lives, and we are incredibly proud to use our platform to enable this type of critical education.”

Cancer is the second-most common cause of death in the U.S., killing about 1,670 people every day, yet cancer screening rates dropped considerably during the COVID-19 pandemic. Phreesia uses its digital intake platform to share vital information about necessary cancer screenings with patients, and recently published data on the positive impact of its cancer-prevention efforts for breast, colorectal, cervical and lung cancer, among others.

For more information on Phreesia, visit www.phreesia.com.

About Phreesia

Phreesia is the trusted leader in patient activation, giving providers, health plans, life sciences companies and other organizations tools to help patients take a more active role in their care. Founded in 2005, Phreesia enabled more than 120 million patient visits in 2022–more than 1 in 10 visits across the U.S.–scale that we believe allows us to make meaningful impact. Offering patient-driven digital solutions for intake, outreach, education and more, Phreesia enhances the patient experience, drives efficiency and improves healthcare outcomes. To learn more, visit www.phreesia.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240220389518/en/

Media

Nicole Gist

Nicole.Gist@phreesia.com

407-760-6274

Source: Phreesia

FAQ

What percentage of patients requested a screening after seeing Phreesia's breast cancer-prevention campaign?

32% of patients requested a screening after seeing Phreesia's breast cancer-prevention campaign.

What does Phreesia specialize in?

Phreesia is a leader in patient intake, outreach, and activation.

What impact did Phreesia's platform have on cancer screening rates?

Phreesia's platform significantly increased cancer screening rates by engaging patients with relevant information.

How does Phreesia aim to help catch cancer early?

Phreesia aims to catch cancer early by providing clear and accurate prevention information to patients during their healthcare journey.

What was the key finding of the analysis of Phreesia's cancer prevention campaigns?

The key finding was that patients found the cancer prevention information helpful and were more likely to discuss preventive screenings with their doctor or request appointments.