NCT07764796 · Emory University
Mobile Health Patient Navigation for the Improvement of Screening and the Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Women Accessing Primary Care Clinics in Kenya
What this study is about
This clinical trial develops and studies how well mobile health (m-Health) patient navigation (PN) strategies work to improve screening and the early detection of breast cancer in women accessing primary care clinics in Kenya. Although highly curable, breast cancer kills thousands of women in developing countries yearly.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial develops and studies how well mobile health (m-Health) patient navigation (PN) strategies work to improve screening and the early detection of breast cancer in women accessing primary care clinics in Kenya. Although highly curable, breast cancer kills thousands of women in developing countries yearly. Mammography (MMG) is used for the early detection of breast cancer by creating a picture of the breast using film or a computer. Despite the availability of MMG in all 47 counties in Kenya, screening remains low in eligible women. Early detection of breast cancer may also be improved through access to high quality clinical breast exams (CBE). However, primary care providers in Kenya face barriers to incorporating CBE into practice, including limited patient awareness of breast cancer screening. m-Health uses applications on mobile phones to deliver PN directly to the patients. The PN strategies in this study include digital platforms and tools to help with education, reminders, navigation, and motivation around breast cancer screening. This may improve screening and the early detection of breast cancer in women accessing primary care clinics in Kenya.
Interventions
OTHER
Best Practice
Receive EUC
OTHER
Discussion
Complete a focus group
OTHER
Interview - Stakeholder
Complete stakeholder interview
OTHER
Interview - Key Informant
Complete key informant interview
OTHER
Interview - Ancillary studies
Ancillary studies
BEHAVIORAL
Patient Navigation - C Components
Receive adapted m-Health PN strategy C components
BEHAVIORAL
Patient Navigation - B components
Receive adapted m-Health PN strategy B components
BEHAVIORAL
Patient Navigation - A components
Receive adapted m-Health PN strategy A components
OTHER
Survey Administration
Complete EBI adaptation and implementation surveys
OTHER
Survey Administration - Ancillary studies
Ancillary studies
Primary outcome measures
Adapted evidence-based intervention (EBI) delivery strategies (Aim 1)
Time frame: Up to 2 years
The research team will have two independent members who will translate and code the transcripts of the focus group discussions (FGDs). They will be using the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-based Behavior model to categorize and code the barriers and opportunities associated with the implementation of candidate evidence-based intervention. Topic prompts related to factors that facilitate EBI implementation will be thematically coded to inform selection and adaptation of EBI delivery (implementation) strategies.
Health system resources, training, and requirements for EBI implementation (Aim 2)
Time frame: Up to 4 years
Will use descriptive statistics to analyze quantitative data from the Service Availability and Readiness Assessment survey, service mapping, Technology Acceptance Model, and Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change. FGDs and key informant interviews will be digitally recorded, transcribed, then translated into English by an experienced study translator. Experienced study team members, supported by trainees, will develop codebooks using an iterative, abductive technique, which allows coders to reference the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), the process will involve remaining receptive to informative deviations. The coding process will start with reading the transcripts individually to detect initial themes, patterns, and questions that can generate ideas. Then, focused coding will be conducted to identify concepts that cluster together, organize thoughts, identify major themes that emerge, and connect them to relevant CFIR constructs.
Access to screening mammography (MMG) for eligible asymptomatic women (Aim 3)
Time frame: Up to 6 months
The primary method of data collection will be through verification of completion of navigation points in the care pathway of each participant. The data will also be verified by a trained research assistant at 3 and 6 months and study completion through review of medical records in the health facilities and phone communication audits with the participants. Will utilize blinded outcome assessors to check for fidelity and other outcomes that require data collection for verification through manual review of facility medical records (paper-based patient registers).
Access to diagnostic MMG or breast ultrasound for women who have a breast abnormality identified on clinical breast examination offered at the clinic (Aim 3)
Time frame: Up to 6 months
The primary method of data collection will be through verification of completion of navigation points in the care pathway of each participant. The data will also be verified by a trained research assistant at 3 and 6 months and study completion through review of medical records in the health facilities and phone communication audits with the participants. Will utilize blinded outcome assessors to check for fidelity and other outcomes that require data collection for verification through manual review of facility medical records (paper-based patient registers).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- AIM 1: All members of BREAKTHROUGH's Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB) breast cancer working group
- AIM 1: Participants (patients and health providers) from primary health care clinics in Nairobi County
- AIM 1: Will include women (patients) aged over 35 years and speak either Kiswahili or English
- AIM 1: Include women who:
- Have never undergone MMG screening
- Previously undergone MMG screening
- Experienced breast abnormalities and have been referred for or undergone diagnostic investigations
- Are currently undergoing or have received breast cancer treatment
- AIM 1: Health care providers and breast screening facility staff (i.e. primary care clinic nurses, MMG clinic staff and technicians) will also be recruited
- AIM 2: Will engage with a diverse group of local and national interagency stakeholders, Nairobi County health leadership, and health providers across different levels of the health system
- AIM 3: Women aged 35 years and older who are able to provide informed consent who are attending the outpatient clinics for primary health care
- AIM 4: Members of SAB breast cancer group, health facilities leadership (all health facility levels)
Exclusion criteria
- AIM 1: Those who will be unwilling to consent and those who are unable to consent will be excluded from the study
- AIM 2: Those who will be unwilling to consent and those who are unable to consent will be excluded from the study
- AIM 3: Women undergoing breast cancer treatment and women aged 70 years and above will be excluded
- AIM 4: Members of SAB breast cancer group, and health facilities leadership who will be unwilling and unable to consent will be excluded
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations