Reporting a Health Quality Improvement Project for Reducing the Disparity in Screening Mammograms among Senior African-American Women

Abstract

Despite intensive efforts by the established medical community to offer preventive health practices to minority populations, there remains a significant disparity in utilization of many of these services. Between African-American and Caucasian women there exists a significant disparity in the use of screening mammography. Under contract by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) have been charged with reducing disparities in health care among identified minority populations within each state. Quality Insights of Delaware, the QIO for the state, has developed a project that utilizes a collaboration with African-American women and community resources in an effective outreach program to the targeted population.