Audit feedback on reading performance of screening mammograms: An international comparison

Abstract

Objective: Providing feedback to mammography radiologists and facilities may improve interpretive performance. We conducted a web-based survey to investigate how and why such feedback is undertaken and used in mammographic screening programmes.

Methods: The survey was sent to representatives in 30 International Cancer Screening Network member countries where mammographic screening is offered.

Results: Seventeen programmes in 14 countries responded to the survey. Audit feedback was aimed at readers in 14 programmes, and facilities in 12 programmes. Monitoring quality assurance was the most common purpose of audit feedback. Screening volume, recall rate, and rate of screen-detected cancers were typically reported performance measures. Audit reports were commonly provided annually, but more frequently when target guidelines were not reached.

Conclusion: The purpose, target audience, performance measures included, form and frequency of the audit feedback varied amongst mammographic screening programmes. These variations may provide a basis for those developing and improving such programmes.

Keywords: Audit; breast screening; feedback; mammography.