Facing a mammogram here
When a woman is sent to a radiology facility to undergo a mammogram, she is confronted with the possibility that she might have breast cancer; thus, it is an extremely stressful situation. A study published by Harvard Medical School, Mount Auburn Hospital (Cambridge, Massachusetts) addressed this problem. They compared two groups of women: (1) women who had undergone a mammogram; and (2) radiology residents (physicians in a specialty training program). To determine a formula for optimal communication during a mammography, the researchers compared the women’s experiences, concerns, information needs, coping strategies, and perspectives about optimal communication during diagnostic mammography. The researchers noted that five categories of themes emerged from their analysis: information needs; perspectives and ideals; emotional experiences and observations; working together; individual experiences; and others’ roles. They reported that women undergoing a mammogram preferred continuous orientation, clear explanations, and emotional support by both physicians and radiology technologists; these needs were not only necessary during the procedure but also during the follow-up period when they were anxious about the results. The threat of breast cancer was experienced as “bad news” by the women; however, only some of the radiology residents held this viewpoint. Confusion and anxiety in the patients was produced in the patients by lack of collaboration among radiologists, technologists, and other healthcare professionals. The radiology residents stated that they felt inadequately prepared to meet the communication challenges of providing information and emotional support tailored to women’s needs in this situation. The authors concluded that women's experiences are influenced by the extent that they (1) receive clear information and support; and (2) perceive collaboration among professionals involved in the mammography process. They added that radiology education must address communication both with patients and between healthcare professionals involved in patient care for medical procedures.
A common complaint of healthcare professionals is that they lack the “human touch” and treat patients like “things.” Studies like this can apprise today’s physicians-in-training of this situation; thus, making them more receptive to patient’s needs.
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