Evaluating behavioral economic interventions for promoting cancer screening uptake and adherence in targeted populations: a systematic review protocol.

Abstract

The objective of this review is to determine the effectiveness of behavioral economic interventions for promoting uptake of and adherence to cancer screening recommended by guidelines. Cancer screening has been found to help reduce incidence of and mortality from advanced cancer. However, adherence to recommended cancer screening services is low in asymptomatic adults with average risk, possibly due to systematic decision biases. The findings of this review will demonstrate whether interventions informed by behavioral economic insights can help improve uptake of and adherence to cancer screening. This review will consider experimental, quasi-experimental, and analytical observational studies that i) evaluate the effects of behavioral economic interventions in adults eligible for guideline-recommended cancer screening; and ii) report the number/percentage of individuals who used screening services; number/percentage of individuals who completed screening recommended by guidelines; participant self-reported intentions, choice, and satisfaction regarding the use of screening services; detection rates of early-stage cancers; use of early intervention for cancers; and cancer-related mortality. A systematic literature search will be performed by one reviewer. After removing duplicates, two reviewers will independently screen and appraise eligible studies according to the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness. Five databases will be searched: CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, PsyclNFO, PubMed, and Web of Science. Sources of gray literature and registered clinical trials will also be searched for potential studies. There will be no limits on publication date or language. Data synthesis will be conducted using meta-analysis and narrative synthesis where appropriate. PROSPERO CRD42021258370.