AIM -- Assessing & Improving Mammography

PI Names: Buist D, Carney P, Geller B, Kerlikowske K, Miglioretti D, Rosenberg R, Yankaskas B
Title: AIM -- Assessing and Improving Mammography
Institute: American Cancer Society/National Cancer Institute

The purpose of this project is to use the BCSC's unique strengths as a research resource to examine factors that influence accuracy in the interpretation of mammograms. Findings will contribute to the development of guidance and tools for use in the initial and on-going training of interpreting physicians. These resources also will be used to provide ongoing feedback to interpreting physicians, thereby helping them maintain their skills.

Specific aims of the project include:

• Determine the effects of radiologists' mammographic interpretative volume on clinical interpretive performance, controlling for patient, physician, and facility factors that influence interpretive performance;
• Create assessment test sets that consist of representative screening mammograms from community practice to assess radiologists' interpretative skills and determine if performance on assessment test sets is associated with performance in clinical practice; and
• Develop and test two interventions designed to improve radiologists' mammographic interpretative skills.