Leveraging principles of behavioural economics to encourage patient engagement with population health screening programmes

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Applying behavioral economics principles can enhance patient engagement in health programs.

By showing that convenience and financial incentives can improve participation in health screenings, the study provides a model for designing effective Food is Medicine interventions.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study leveraged principles of behavioral economics to encourage patient engagement with cardiovascular health screening programs. It involved offering 60 high-risk patients a complimentary home blood pressure (BP) monitor and a lipid test, along with financial incentives. The results showed that 43.3% of participants submitted the required BP readings, and 30.0% completed the lipid panel, compared to 30.0% and 18.1% in historical control groups, respectively. Despite these improvements, over half of the participants did not complete the screenings, indicating the need for additional strategies to fully engage at-risk populations. The study suggests that convenience and incentives can increase participation in health screenings.