Advances in Breast Localization Techniques: An Opportunity to Improve Quality of Care and Patient Satisfaction

We will review imaging modalities used for localization in addition to current localization techniques for nonpalpable breast lesions

Representation of Women in Diagnostic Radiology Residency Programs: Does National Institutes of Health Program Ranking Matter?

PURPOSE: Women are consistently underrepresented in the radiology workforce. The authors examined recent trends in the gender distribution of residents entering diagnostic radiology residency programs. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of residents entering US diagnostic radiology residency programs for graduate medical education years 2009 to 2018. Demographic and program data were obtained from the Association of American Medical Colleges GME Track Resident Survey. National Institutes of Health (NIH) ranking was determined according to the Academy for Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the gender distribution of residents according to residency program ranking. RESULTS: The final analytic sample included 11,788 residents who entered diagnostic radiology residency programs during the study period, of whom 3,245 (27.5%) were women and 8,543 (72.5%) were men. A higher percentage of female residents entered programs ranked in NIH rank group 1st to 20th (351 of 1,185 [29.6%]) than entered programs that were ranked lower than 20th or were unranked (1,540 of 5,819 [26.5%]; P = .026). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings confirm repeated reports that women are underrepresented in radiology. The results indicate a need for further study on why a greater proportion of female residents are entering programs with higher NIH rankings. Better understanding of factors and interventions that led to this rise in the percentage of women in higher ranked programs provides an opportunity to expand gender diversity across the field of radiology

Women\u27s response to state-mandated language in dense breast notification

Many states require radiologists to notify women of dense breast status. Our aim was to elicit women\u27s response to state-mandated dense breast notification language. Of respondents, 82% report that current notification does not inform them of additional screening studies available, and 41% report notification does not inform them of next steps. Open-ended responses indicate three main areas of patient concern: Decisional Needs, Decision Quality, and Decision Support. We modified an existing Decision Support framework to capture additional themes specific to dense breast decisions. The developed framework can be used to revise and improve current breast density reporting methods

Health Care Disparities in Radiology - A Review of the Current Literature

INTRODUCTION: Health care disparities exist in all medical specialties, including radiology. Raising awareness of established health care disparities is a critical component of radiology\u27s efforts to mitigate disparities. Our primary objective is to perform a comprehensive review of the last 10 years of literature pertaining to disparities in radiology care. Our secondary objective is to raise awareness of disparities in radiology. METHODS: We reviewed English-language medicine and health services literature from the past 10 years (2010-2020) for research that described disparities in any aspect of radiologic imaging using radiology search terms and key words for disparities in OVID. Relevant studies were identified with adherence to the guidelines set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. RESULTS: The search yielded a total 1,890 articles. We reviewed the citations and abstracts with the initial search yielding 1,890 articles (without duplicates). Of these, 1,776 were excluded based on the criteria set forth in the methods. The remaining unique 114 articles were included for qualitative synthesis. DISCUSSION: We hope this article increases awareness and inspires action to address disparities and encourages research that further investigates previously identified disparities and explores not-yet-identified disparities

Transitioning From Radiology Training to Academic Faculty: The Importance of Mentorship

Transitioning from radiology residency to academic faculty presents many challenges. In this review, we discuss the importance of introspection and mentorship to successfully navigate this process. Key points include alignment of goals with those of the institution, formation of a mentorship program, and periodic reassessment of career goals. These tips and tools can help make the transition from residency to academic faculty more seamless

Transitioning from Radiology Training to Academic Faculty: Defining Your Role and Interests

Transitioning from radiology training to academic faculty presents many challenges. In this review, we discuss strategies to navigate this process and to facilitate success through appropriate selection of career tracks. Various modern avenues include roles as a Clinician-Educator, Clinician-Investigator, and Clinician-Administrator. Selection of the appropriate career track based on personal interests and institutional culture is critical for early and long-term career satisfaction

Using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded (FRAME) to study adaptations in lung cancer screening delivery in the Veterans Health Administration: a cohort study

Abstract Background Lung cancer screening is a complex clinical process that includes identification of eligible individuals, shared decision-making, tobacco cessation, and management of screening results. Adaptations to the delivery process for lung cancer screening in situ are understudied and underreported, with the potential loss of important considerations for improved implementation. The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Expanded (FRAME) allows for a systematic enumeration of adaptations to implementation of evidence-based practices. We applied FRAME to study adaptations in lung cancer screening delivery processes implemented by lung cancer screening programs in a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Enterprise-Wide Initiative. Methods We prospectively conducted semi-structured interviews at baseline and 1-year intervals with lung cancer screening program navigators at 10 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) between 2019 and 2021. Using this data, we developed baseline (1st) process maps for each program. In subsequent years (year 1 and year 2), each program navigator reviewed the process maps. Adaptations in screening processes were identified, documented, and mapped to FRAME categories. Results We conducted a total of 16 interviews across 10 VHA lung cancer screening programs (n=6 in year 1, n=10 in year 2) to collect adaptations. In year 1 (2020), six programs were operational and eligible. Of these, three reported adaptations to their screening process that were planned or in response to COVID-19. In year 2 (2021), all 10 programs were operational and eligible. Programs reported 14 adaptations in year 2. These adaptations were planned and unplanned and often triggered by increased workload; 57% of year 2 adaptations were related to the identification and eligibility of Veterans and 43% were related to follow-up with Veterans for screening results. Throughout the 2 years, adaptations related to data management and patient tracking occurred in 60% of programs to improve the data collection and tracking of Veterans in the screening process. Conclusions Using FRAME, we found that adaptations occurred primarily in the areas of patient identification and communication of results due to increased workload. These findings highlight navigator time and resource considerations for sustainability and scalability of existing and future lung cancer screening programs as well as potential areas for future intervention