Assessment clinics at 'Avon Breast Screening Unit': what has changed in 5 years?

Introduction

There have been many changes in the breast screening programme over the past few years. The most significant locally is probably the introduction of two-view mammography at all rounds since April 2003. We also introduced a formal weekly arbitration meeting in December 2001 where borderline patients are discussed and a collective decision taken regarding the need for assessment. All those who read screening films attend this meeting.

We perceived there had been a change in outcomes, procedures performed in the clinic, and overall pick-up rate. This could be an indicator of change at a national level. Hence, this study to compare the assessment clinics was undertaken.

Aims and objectives

To compare the assessment clinics conducted in 1998 with those of 2003.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis of films and notes of all patients assessed during September and October 1998 and 2003.

Conclusion

More patients were assessed sooner in 1998. However, more complex procedures and more procedures overall were performed in 2003. The cancer pick-up rate doubled in 2003.

Table 1 Results: