Patients' preferences for learning the results of mammographic examinations

The communication of diagnostic test results is an important aspect of the interaction between doctors and patients. Communication of mammogram results is of particular interest because the test is used to detect a common and potentially dangerous malignancy and because patients in the United States are able in some locations to obtain mammography at their own request, rather than being referred by a physician. We conducted a survey to learn about the preferences of a group of women at a traditional mammography center for learning the results of this commonly performed test. We asked women undergoing mammography to respond to questionnaires designed to learn: 1) How they felt about different methods of telling patients the results of mammograms; 2) How they were informed of the results of previous mammograms; 3) How they were told the results of the current mammograms. Patients indicated that if no abnormality is detected, they prefer to have their doctor call with the result, but if the study is 'abnormal' they wish to be told by their own physician in the office. Failing to notify the patient if the study is normal was the least preferred outcome. This group of patients did not express an interest in the most immediate form of notification (i.e. learning the result from the radiologist performing the test). Analysis of how patients felt about ways in which they were previously informed of the results of mammograms suggests that their reactions are influenced to a large extent by their clinical status. Patients undergoing mammography for diagnostic purposes, for example, were less pleased by a 'preferred' method (i.e. being told by their physician) than were those undergoing screening mammography. While patients have opinions about how they would prefer to be told their mammogram results, they are accepting a variety of methods of telling, if they are receiving good news. If abnormalities are found, patients prefer to be told in person by their own physician. Interpretations of surveys of patient satisfaction should be tempered by the finding that the clinical status of the patient alters their perceptions of satisfaction with this aspect of their physician's behavior. Patient preferences may change if increasing numbers of women are told their results by the radiologist.