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Improvement in mammography quality control: 1987-1995
R E Hendrick1, C A Chrvala, C M Plott
1Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262-0278, USA.
Radiology
|June 4, 1998
Summary
Quality control (QC) in mammography has significantly improved in the U.S. between 1987 and 1995. These advancements in mammography QC practices were observed across medical physicists and technologists.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Quality Assurance
Background:
- Mammography quality control (QC) is essential for accurate breast cancer detection.
- Previous assessments indicated variability in QC practices across mammography facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate temporal trends in mammography quality control (QC) practices in the United States.
- To identify changes in QC implementation from 1987 to 1995.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Colorado Mammography Advocacy Project (CMAP) surveys (1990, 1992, 1995).
- Review of data from the American College of Radiology (ACR) Mammography Accreditation Program (1987-1993).
- Assessment of temporal changes in QC practices using pooled survey data.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements in medical physicist QC practices (1990-1992) and technologist QC practices (1990-1995) were noted in CMAP data.
- ACR data showed significant improvements in technologist QC practices (1988-1992).
- Enhanced technologist QC practices correlated with increased continuing education in mammography.
Conclusions:
- Mammography sites in the U.S. have demonstrated substantial improvements in quality control over the past decade.
- These QC enhancements contribute to better mammography services and patient care.