Review of the evidence on the use of arbitration or consensus within breast screening: A systematic scoping review

Abstract

Objectives: A systematic scoping review was undertaken to establish the evidence base on arbitration and consensus in mammography reporting. Database searches were supplemented with hand searching of peer-reviewed journals, citation tracking, key author searching, grey literature and personal contact with experts. A 3-stage process was utilised to screen a large volume of literature (601) against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 26 papers were retained.

Key findings: A lack of guidance and underpinning evidence to inform how best to use arbitration or consensus to resolve discordant reads. In particular, a lack of prospective studies to determine effectiveness in real-life clinical settings.

Conclusion: The insufficiency of follow-up or reporting of true interval cancers compromised the ability to conclude the effectiveness of the processes.

Keywords: Arbitration; Breast screening; Consensus; Mammography; Radiographer; Review.