Mixed Mammo Messages for Patients
Happy New Year, everyone, and welcome to the new blog on the block!
Over the holidays, we hear all about upgrading our televisions to high-definition (HD)...so why don't we hear more about the medical industry--especially mammography--upgrading? We need to educate the community about digital mammography and the dramatic changes the technology has brought to women's health.
This week I encountered a female patient--over 40 years old--who had not yet had a baseline mammogram. She was confused about what type of mammogram was "best" (analog vs. digital), what type of breast tissue she had (not to mention what that meant), as well as what technologies local facilities were offering. A rare patient breed, she took matters into her own hands and started calling area facilities. The nearest mammography facility that provided digital technology was over 50 miles away from her home. When she asked the other facilities why they didn't offer digital services, many responded, "We're waiting for the technology to get better." No wonder this woman--and many like her--hadn't yet managed to go for her first mammogram.
Patients deserve more than a mixed message. Contingent, of course, on the technologies you offer, what type of information does your facility provide to inquisitive patients when they ask about analog, digital...even breast MR or ultrasound? What's your role in educating patients--today's health care consumer? Do you invite your front office /receptionists and the other personnel at your breast centers to staff meetings and/or educate them on the services you have to offer? After all, they are your front line!
Fortunately, this woman did have her mammogram and made the trip to the digital center. She asked us about whether digital was really better than analog--and if so, why more facilities don't have it. We explained the difference but also reassured her that if digital was not available in her area, that an analog mammogram was more advantageous than not having a mammogram at all. I used the analogy of an HD TV compared to a basic tube TV, which gave her the reassurance that a mammogram is needed--even analog--with the knowledge that digital is the more superior technology. She now can share this information with family and friends who may also need a mammogram but are unsure about what to do. She was so appreciative that we took the time to explain the difference. This eased her anxiety about the initial mammogram and also subsequent yearly visits.
Regardless of the technology we offer, we must take responsibility and reach out to our communities on women's health issues and services--they are too important to go unheard. We need to start within our own facilities so women hear us!