Keywords

reminder systems, communication, economics, behavioral, primary prevention, colonoscopy, memory

Abstract

In the U.S., 18,800 lives could be saved annually if those advised to obtain colorectal screenings based on national guidelines complied (Zauber et al., 2012). Subtle suggestions embedded in a decision-making environment can change people's choices (Thaler and Sunstein, 2008). Past research has shown that prompting people to form plans about where and when they will complete an intended behavior increases engagement in activities ranging from voting to vaccination (Gollwitzer and Sheeran, 2006; Milkman et al., 2011; Nickerson and Rogers, 2010). When plans are formed, they link intended behaviors with a concrete future moment and course of action, creating cues that reduce forgetfulness and procrastination.We studied whether planning prompts increase colonoscopy rates.

Original Publication Citation

“Planning Prompts as a Means of Increasing Preventive Screening Rates.” 2013. Preventive Medicine 56(1): 92-93 (with Katherine L. Milkman, John Beshears, James J. Choi and David Laibson). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.10.021

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2013

Publisher

Preventive Medicine

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Finance

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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