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Published on: August 30, 2013
Measuring satisfaction with mammography results reporting
N C Dolan1, J Feinglass, A Priyanath
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. ndo424@nwu.edu
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|April 25, 2001
Summary
Patients undergoing screening mammograms reported lower satisfaction with communication of results compared to diagnostic mammogram patients. Improving communication clarity and reducing wait times can enhance patient satisfaction with mammography results.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Imaging
- Patient Communication
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- Effective communication of mammography results is crucial for patient understanding and satisfaction.
- Patient recall and comprehension of results impact subsequent healthcare decisions.
- Factors influencing satisfaction with mammography result reporting require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient satisfaction with mammography results communication.
- To identify factors influencing patient understanding and recall of mammography results.
- To compare satisfaction levels between screening and diagnostic mammogram patients.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted.
- Two hundred ninety-eight patients from an academic breast imaging center participated.
- Survey assessed satisfaction with results reporting, waiting times, and understanding of recommendations.
Main Results:
- Screening mammogram patients reported lower satisfaction (20%) compared to diagnostic patients (11%, P=.05).
- For screening patients, dissatisfaction was linked to long wait times (>2 weeks), communication difficulties, unclear explanations, and high anxiety.
- Patient age and exam outcome did not correlate with dissatisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Patients receiving screening mammograms are less satisfied with communication than those receiving diagnostic mammograms.
- Interventions should focus on reducing result wait times and anxiety.
- Enhancing the clarity of results and recommendations can improve overall patient satisfaction.

