Evaluating Mammographer Acceptance of MammoRisk Software.

PURPOSE

To evaluate mammographers' acceptance of the breast cancer risk assessment software tool MammoRisk (Statlife) in the clinical setting.

METHODS

During a 6-month period, 1200 women undergoing routine mammography examinations at a regional, outpatient, comprehensive breast imaging center were assessed for breast cancer risk by mammographers who used the MammoRisk software. At the end of the 6-month period, the mammographers (N = 11) completed an 8-question survey on their willingness to the use of the software in the clinical setting.

RESULTS

The mammographers (100%) reported that the computer software was easy to access, learn, and operate with little effect on the workflow of a busy clinic. In addition, they reported that the patient questionnaire was easy to administer and that the patients' compliance with the questionnaire was excellent. The mammographers also reported that it took less than 1 minute to fill in the patient information, and that they were willing to integrate MammoRisk into their daily practice.

DISCUSSION

MammoRisk has several strengths as a risk-assessment tool, including that, when combined with complementary software, it incorporates breast density and that patients must answer fewer questions than are required for other risk-assessment tools. The software also is easy and efficient for mammographers to use.

CONCLUSION

The mammographers demonstrated that MammoRisk is an easy-to-use software tool for breast cancer risk assessment, suggesting that it can be integrated readily into routine clinical settings. MammoRisk also might assist the radiologist in providing personalized screening recommendations because of its ease of use and minimal effect on workflow. Future research is needed to evaluate whether other professionals will accept the use of MammoRisk in the clinical setting.