SynthesisBMC medicine2025
Evaluating digital nudge interventions for the promotion of cancer screening behavior: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in BMC medicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to trial NCT07779161 (Effect of Reminder Strategies on No-Show Rates in a Nicotine Cessation Clinic), which is not on this map. Cited by 5 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Effect of Reminder Strategies on No-Show Rates in a Nicotine Cessation Clinic: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Effectiveness and implementation challenges of mobile low-dose computed tomography units for early lung cancer detection: a systematic review.Frontiers in public health · 2026Pooled it
- Educational films for improving perinatal outcomes associated with gestational diabetes in Uganda and India: a cluster randomised trial.BMJ global health · 2026Trial
- Nudging to increase the uptake of cancer screening: scoping review of empirical studies.Health psychology and behavioral medicine · 2026Review
- Article
- Implementation of a Digital Health Intervention (CHAMP) for Self-Monitoring of Hypertension: Protocol for 3 Interlinked Implementation Studies.JMIR research protocols · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundPublic adherence to cancer screening remains low and is influenced by both rational and non-rational factors, including decision biases that underestimate screening benefits. Digital nudge interventions have shown promise in promoting screening behaviors among at-risk populations, but systematic evidence is still lacking. This study aims to synthesize the effects of digital nudge interventions on promoting cancer screening behaviors in high-risk individuals.
methodsA systematic search of 10 electronic databases was conducted, and studies published before April 1, 2024, were included. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of digital nudge interventions on cancer screening behavior with those of a control group and reported at least one outcome. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data on cancer screening uptake rates were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were performed for cancer types, intervention media, delivery conditions, and sensitivity. The study identified digital nudge strategies via the MINDSPACE framework and explored their influence on screening behavior through the HSM.
resultsOf the 14 randomized controlled trials included, 10 reported statistically significant results. The types of interventions in these studies were heterogeneous and available across multiple delivery channels based on the web, computer programmes, DVDs, telephones, patient navigation, or apps that tailored or served interactive information to participants to better understand screening risks and options. A random-effects model showed that digital nudge intervention strategies significantly improved adherence to cancer screening behavior (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.35-2.44, p < 0.001). Differences between cancer types, intervention media, and delivery conditions were noted. Based on the MINDSPACE framework and HSM, eight nudge strategies were designed to promote screening behaviors, with the most common being the default strategy (n = 9). Most nudge tools were designed to leverage unconscious System 1 thinking, aiming to influence behavior in a more spontaneous and subtle way.
conclusionsWhile digital nudge interventions have demonstrated significant positive effects in promoting early cancer screening participation among high-risk individuals, their impact varies. More robust research is needed to address methodological limitations and facilitate broader adoption and application of these interventions.
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