Patients' perceptions of targeted breast ultrasound and digital breast tomosynthesis in the diagnostic setting: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Although DBT is the standard initial imaging modality for women with focal breast symptoms, the importance of ultrasound has grown rapidly in the past decades. Therefore, the Breast UltraSound Trial (BUST) focused on assessing the diagnostic value of ultrasound and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) for the evaluation of breast symptoms by reversing the order of breast imaging; first performing ultrasound followed by DBT. This side-study of the BUST evaluates patients' perceptions of ultrasound and DBT in a reversed setting.

METHODS

After imaging, 1181/1276 BUST participants completed a survey consisting of open and closed questions regarding both exams (mean age 47.2, ±11.74). Additionally, a different subset of BUST participants (n = 29) participated in six focus group interviews 18-24 months after imaging to analyze their imaging experiences in depth.

RESULTS

A total of 55.3% of women reported reluctance to undergoing DBT, primarily due of pain, while the vast majority also find bilateral DBT reassuring (87.3%). Thematic analysis identified themes related to 1) imaging reluctance (pain/burden, result, and breast harm) and 2) ultrasound and DBT perceptions. Regarding the latter, the theme comfort underscores DBT as burdensome and painful, while ultrasound is largely perceived as non-burdensome. Ultrasound is also particularly valued for its interactive nature, as highlighted in the theme interaction. Perceived effectiveness reflects women's interest in bilateral breast evaluation with DBT and the visibility of lesions, while they express more uncertainty about the reliability of ultrasound. Emotional impact portrays DBT as reassuring for many women, whereas opinions on the reassurance provided by ultrasound are more diverse. Additional themes include costs, protocols and privacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound is highly tolerated, and particularly valued is the interaction with the radiologist. Nearly half of women express reluctance towards DBT; nevertheless, a large portion report feeling more confident after undergoing bilateral DBT, reassuring them of the absence of abnormalities. Understanding patients' perceptions of breast imaging examinations is of great value when optimizing diagnostic pathways.

Patient-Centered Radiology Communications: Engaging Patients as Partners

Patient-centered care is a model in which, by bringing the patient's perspective to the design and delivery of health care, we can better meet patients' needs, enhancing the quality of care. Patient-centered care requires finding ways to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population that has various levels of health literacy, cultural backgrounds, and unique needs and preferences. Moreover, multimedia resources have the potential to inform and educate patients promoting greater independence. In this review, we discuss the fundamentals of communication with the different modes used in radiology and the key elements of effective communication. Then, we highlight five opportunities along the continuum of care in the radiology practice in which we can improve communications to empower our patients and families and strengthen this partnership. Lastly, we discuss the importance on communication training of the workforce, optimizing and seamlessly integrating technology solutions into our workflows, and the need for patient feedback in the design and delivery of care.

Patients' choices regarding online access to laboratory, radiology and pathology test results on a hospital patient portal

The disclosure of online test results (i.e., laboratory, radiology and pathology results) on patient portals can vary from immediate disclosure (in real-time) via a delay of up to 28 days to non-disclosure. Although a few studies explored patient opinions regarding test results release, we have no insight into actual patients' preferences. To address this, we allowed patients to register their choices on a hospital patient portal. Our research question was: When do patients want their test results to be disclosed on the patient portal and what are the reasons for these choices? We used a mixed methods sequential explanatory design that included 1) patient choices on preferred time delay to test result disclosure on the patient portal for different medical specialties (N = 4592) and 2) semi-structured interviews with patients who changed their mind on their initial choice (N = 7). For laboratory (blood and urine) results, 3530 (76.9%) patients chose a delay of 1 day and 912 (19.9%) patients chose a delay of 7 days. For radiology and pathology results 4352 (94.8%) patients chose a delay of 7 days. 43 patients changed their mind about when they wanted to receive their results. By interviewing seven patients (16%) from this group we learned that some participants did not remember why they made changes. Four participants wanted a shorter delay to achieve transparency in health-related information and communication; to have time to process bad results; for reassurance; to prepare for a medical consultation; monitoring and acting on deviating results to prevent worsening of their disease; and to share results with their general practitioner. Three participants extended their chosen delay to avoid the disappointment about the content and anxiety of receiving incomprehensible information. Our study indicates that most patients prefer transparency in health-related information and want their test results to be disclosed as soon as possible.

Utilization of Screening Mammography in Women Before 50: Cross-Sectional Survey Results from the National Health Interview Survey

OBJECTIVE

While the American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammography starting at age 40 years, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that screening mammography in women younger than age 50 years should involve shared- decision making (SDM) between clinicians and patients, considering benefits and potential harms in younger women. Using a nationally representative cross-sectional survey, we aimed to evaluate patient-reported reasons and predictors of screening mammography utilization in this age group.

METHODS

Respondents aged 40-49 years from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) without a history of breast cancer were included (response rate 64%). Participants reported sociodemographic variables and reasons they did not engage in mammography screening within the last two years. Multiple variable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and patient-reported screening mammography use, accounting for complex survey sampling design elements.

RESULTS

1,948 women between the ages of 40-49 years were included. Of this group, (758/1948) 46.6% reported receiving a screening mammogram within the last year, and 1196/1948 (61.4%) reported receiving a screening mammogram within the last two years. The most common reasons for not undergoing screening included: "No reason/never thought about it" 744/1948 (38.2%), "Put it off" 343/1948 (17.6%), "Didn't need it" 331/1948 (16.9%), "Doctor didn't order it" 162/1948 (8.3%), and "I'm too young" 63/1948 (5.3%). Multiple variable analyses demonstrated that lack of health insurance was the strongest predictor of mammography non-engagement (p< 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Deficits in shared- decision-making in women younger than 50 years related to mammography utilization exist. Radiologists may be key in addressing this issue among ambulatory care providers and patients, educating about the benefits and harms of screening younger women, particularly in racial/ethnic minorities and uninsured patients, who experience additional barriers to care and SDM discussions.

Challenges in Managing Isolated Subsegmental Pulmonary Embolism

This commentary explores the clinical conundrums arising when caring for patients with acute pulmonary embolism isolated to the subsegmental pulmonary arteries. We discuss ways to confirm the radiologic diagnosis, how to distinguish patients for whom anticoagulation is indicated from those who are eligible for structured surveillance without anticoagulation, what surveillance entails, and why ensuring continuity of care matters. We report a case from our own experience that illustrates these decision-making crossroads and highlights the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Because the evidence in the literature is currently weak and indirect, we draw on expert opinion in US and European guidelines, a recent statement from a multidisciplinary consensus panel, and several ongoing well-designed clinical trials. This discussion will help clinicians better manage the spectrum of patients who present with isolated subsegmental embolism.