Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
A Multimodal Imaging Framework to Advance Phenotyping of Living Label-free Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: August 22, 2025
A phased approach to implementing the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) in low-income and
Diana L Lam1, Pegah Entezari1, Catherine Duggan2
1Department of Radiology, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
Background:
Successful breast cancer detection programs rely on standardized reporting and interpreting systems, such as the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), to improve system performance. In low-income and middle-income countries, evolving diagnostic programs have insufficient resources to either fully implement BI-RADS or to periodically evaluate the program's performance, which is a necessary component of BI-RADS. This leads to inconsistent breast ultrasound interpretation and a failure to improve performance.
Methods:
The authors applied the Breast Health Global Initiative's phased implementation strategy to implement diagnostic ultrasound and BI-RADS within the context of a limited-resource setting.
Results:
The authors recommended starting with triage ultrasound to distinguish suspicious masses from normal breast tissue and benign masses such as cysts because the majority of health workers performing ultrasounds at this level have minimal breast imaging experience. Transitioning to full diagnostic ultrasound with condensed or full BI-RADS should occur after performance and quality metrics have been met.
Conclusions:
Transitioning through these phases across facilities likely will occur at different times, particularly in rural versus urban settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include: