A conversational artificial intelligence (AI) patient navigator has proven to be a game-changer in re-engaging underserved patients who missed their colonoscopy appointments, a recent analysis reveals.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) disparities continue to persist among individuals of color in the United States, with Black individuals facing a 20% higher incidence of CRC and a 40% greater likelihood of dying from the disease compared to their White counterparts. Early-onset CRC cases are also on the rise within Hispanic and Latinx populations. These sobering statistics highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions to bridge the screening gap in these underserved communities.
Despite dedicated efforts by professional patient navigators at Montefiore to reach out to patients from communities of color and low-income backgrounds, a significant percentage failed to attend their colonoscopy appointments in 2022. To address this issue, Alyson Moadel, PhD, and her team turned to the MyEleanor AI patient navigator to support 2400 nonadherent patients in rescheduling their screenings.
The AI navigator, under the persona of Eleanor, engaged with over half of the patients, resulting in 58% accepting live transfers to reschedule their appointments, and 25% completing the colonoscopy screening. This intervention led to a substantial increase in the colonoscopy completion rate, with the no-show rate decreasing from 10% to 19% and patient volume rising by 36%.
Patients cited various barriers to screening, including transportation challenges, perceived lack of need, time constraints, medical mistrust, and financial concerns. Moving forward, the team plans to evaluate the impact of MyEleanor on patient satisfaction, navigator burden, and cost savings while exploring its potential application in other screening programs.
Fumiko Chino, MD, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth, emphasized the significance of leveraging AI technology to enhance outreach efforts and improve equitable cancer care. She noted that the intervention effectively targeted patients at high risk for screening gaps, underscoring the potential of this approach to drive positive outcomes in cancer care.
In conclusion, the successful integration of the MyEleanor AI patient navigator highlights a promising step towards addressing CRC disparities in underserved communities. By harnessing the power of technology, healthcare providers can optimize outreach efforts and improve screening compliance, ultimately advancing cancer care for all individuals, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.
