Metrics for Evaluating Mobile Screening Units 

Evaluating the success of a mobile lung cancer screening unit involves several metrics that can provide insights into its effectiveness, efficiency, and overall impact. Here are some key metrics to consider: 

1. Screening Volume 

  • Number of Screenings Conducted: Track the total number of patients screened over during one year. . 
  • Demographics of Screened Population: Analyze the age, gender, and risk factors of screened patients screened to ensure high-risk groups are being reached. 

2. Referral and Follow-Up Rates 

  • Referral Rate for Abnormal Findings: Measure the percentage of patients referred for further diagnostic procedures based on screening results. 
  • Follow-Up Compliance: Assess the number of referred patients who complete follow-up testing (e.g., CT scans and biopsies). 

3. Detection Rates 

  • Positive Screening Rate: Calculate the percentage of screenings that yield abnormal lung results. 
  • Cancer Detection Rate: Determine the percentage of patients diagnosed with lung cancer after screening. 
  • Rate of Incidental Findings: Measure the percentage of screenings that identify incidental findings unrelated to lung cancer that may require further evaluation or management. 

4. Outcomes 

  • Stage at Diagnosis: Track the stage of lung cancer at diagnosis for screened patients to evaluate the effectiveness of early detection. 
  • Survival Rates: Monitor overall survival rates for patients diagnosed through the screening program. 

5. Patient Satisfaction 

  • Satisfaction Surveys: Conduct surveys to gauge patient satisfaction with the screening process, including  accessibility, communication, and comfort. Include the likelihood of patients recommending the service to others. 

6. Operational Efficiency 

  • Screening Time per Patient: Analyze the average time taken for each screening, including preparation and post-screening counseling. 
  • Rate of Insurance Delays: Track the percentage of screenings that experience delays due to insurance coverage approval processes, which impact scheduling and patient access. 
  • Utilization Rate of the Mobile Unit: Measure the percentage of time the mobile unit is actively conducting screenings versus downtime. 

7. Community Engagement 

  • Outreach and Education: Track the number of community outreach events and educational sessions conducted to promote awareness of lung cancer screening. 

8. Cost-Effectiveness 

  • Cost per Screening: Analyze the operational costs associated with each screening conducted. 
  • Return on Investment (ROI): Assess the financial benefits of early detection and treatment compared to the costs of running the mobile unit. 

9. Health Equity Metrics 

  • Access and Equity: Measure the demographics of patients served to ensure that underserved populations are being reached and that there are no disparities in access to screening. 

By tracking these metrics, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the mobile lung cancer screening unit's performance and identify areas for improvement. 

 

Benchmarking 

While no formal data repository or benchmarking exists for mobile lung cancer screening units , some existing units have shared statistics that can be used as helpful comparisons. 

LUCAS – West Virginia University Cancer Institute: 

  • Capacity to serve 27 patients per day  
  • Screened nearly 2,300 patients since 2021 
  • Completed more than 1,050 screenings in 2023 
  • Identified at least 25 cases of lung cancer and five additional cancers 
  • Funded more than 130 lung cancer screenings through grants and donations 

Levine Cancer Institute Mobile Unit: 

  • As of 2023, the unit has screened more than 2,400 individuals 
  • More than  40 cases of lung cancer were detected, with 63% of these cases being early- stage cancer 
  • The unit also identified  non-lung cancer types in 12 participants 
  • Intake and screening are completed in 30 minutes or less 
  • Results are available within 24-48 hours 

Early Detection Driven to You (EDDY) – Roswell Park 

  • Screened more than 1,200 community members in 15 months 
  • Detected five early- stage lung cancers 
  • Recommended follow-up for 100 patients with nodules 
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