Experiences with a workstation prototype for softcopy reading within the Bavarian mammography recertification...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Radiology Quality Assurance

Background:

• The Bavarian Statutory Health Care Administration (KVB) initiated a mammography reading recertification program in 2002.
• This program aims to ensure and enhance the quality of mammography interpretations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a new recertification program for mammography reading.
• To assess the accuracy of softcopy mammography reading compared to traditional film reading.

Main Methods:

• Physicians read 50 test cases, with malignant and benign proportions matching national guidelines.
• A decentralized approach using digitized mammograms in DICOM format for softcopy reading was implemented.
• A comparative study assessed the error rates between film and softcopy reading.

Main Results:

• A dedicated mammography workstation with high-resolution monitors and calibrated graphics was utilized.
• No significant difference in error rates was found between film-based and softcopy mammography reading.
• The study validated the use of digitized mammograms for recertification.

Conclusions:

• The mammography recertification program demonstrates promising initial results.
• Softcopy reading of digitized mammograms is a viable method for quality assurance in mammography.
• The recertification is mandatory for all mammography-reading physicians in Bavaria since 2003.