Mammographic interpretation training: how useful is handheld technology?

摘要

In the UK a national self-assessment scheme (PERFORMS) for mammographers is undertaken as part of the National Health Search Breast Screening Programme. Where appropriate, further training is suggested to improve performance. Ideally, such training would be on-demand; that is whenever and wherever an individual decides to undertake it. To use a portable device for such a purpose would be attractive on many levels. However, it is not known whether handheld technology can be used effectively for viewing mammographic images. Previous studies indicate the potential for viewing medical images with fairly low spatial resolution (e.g. CT, MRI) on PDAs. In this study, we set out to investigate factors that might affect the feasibility of using PDAs as a training technology for examining large, high resolution mammographic images. Two studies are reported: 20 mammographers examined a series of mammograms presented on a PDA, specifying the location of any abnormality. Secondly, a group of technologists examined a series of mammograms presented at different sizes and resolutions to mimic presentation on a PDA and their eye movements were recorded. The results indicate the potential for using PDAs to show such large, high resolution images if suitable Human-computer Interaction (HCI) techniques are employed.