TRANSITIONING TO FULL-FIELD DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY: THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY CHANGE ON MAMMOGRAPHY VOLUMES IN NOVA SCOTIA

Abstract

Recently, mammography has transitioned from analog screen-film to digital imaging. Reduced digital acquisition and processing time has the potential to increase screening throughput. This has not been evaluated in a “real-world” context. This project evaluated the transition to digital mammography on screening mammography throughput volumes and the proportion of diagnostic mammograms performed in Nova Scotia, Canada. A multi-group interrupted time-series design was used to assess the effects of technology change at ten fixed sites of the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program between 2006 and 2014. Four sites experienced a statistically significant increase in screening throughput volumes following the introduction of digital mammography while the remaining sites experienced no significant change. There was no change in the proportion of diagnostic mammograms. The heterogeneity of results between sites suggests that unmeasured site-specific factors (departmental factors or demand) limited the potential for improved throughput following the transition.