Communication in the diagnostic mammography suite: implications for practice and training

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Education
• Physician-Patient Communication

Background:

• Diagnostic mammography involves complex physician-patient communication.
• Limited research exists on communication practices and their impact in this setting.
• Implications for radiology training programs are significant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey radiology residents and staff radiologists.
• To assess communication training, practices, and experiences.
• To understand the effects of direct patient communication in diagnostic mammography.

Main Methods:

• Surveys distributed to radiology residents and staff via the Association of Program Directors in Radiology.
• Analysis of response frequencies and correlations.

Main Results:

• Over half of staff radiologists communicated with patients with abnormal mammograms; 37% lacked adequate time.
• Most respondents rated their communication skills highly but experienced stress.
• Formal communication skills education post-medical school was rare; feedback and observation opportunities correlated with improved skills.

Conclusions:

• Radiologists face challenging and stressful patient communication.
• There is a notable lack of educational curricula for interpersonal and communication skills in radiology.
• Improved communication training impacts patient and physician satisfaction and outcomes.