Mobile Digital Breast Screening: An Evaluation of the Queensland Experience

Abstract

This paper analyses outcomes associated with the adoption of digital mammography in Breastscreen Queensland’s mobile services to rural and remote parts of Queensland Australia. Using both quantitative secondary data from Queensland Health and qualitative workforce interviews the paper focuses on outcomes that are already becoming apparent with the transition to digital mammography. Benefits include reduced rates of technical recalls for clients and enhanced job satisfaction on the part of the radiographers who staff the service. Significantly the declines in technical recall rates are greater than that which has hitherto been reported in the literature. The paper provides comparative estimates of the costs associated with technical recall rates in pre and post digital environments.