Communication of mammography results to women by radiologists: attitudes of referring health care providers.

PURPOSE: To understand the attitudes of referring physicians about the communication of mammography results directly to women by radiologists.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Questionnaires were mailed to 87 health care providers (85 physicians and two nurse practitioners) who regularly refer women to the authors' mammographic facility. Responses were answered by assigning a score of 1-5 (strongly agree to strongly disagree).

RESULTS

Seventy-one (82%) referring providers responded to the survey. For normal results, 85% agreed that radiologists should report directly to women; for abnormal results, 58% agreed. For a radiologist to send a written report directly to women, 75% agreed for normal results and 73% for abnormal results. For follow-up reminders, 67% agreed the radiologist should do it, 25% agreed both the radiologist and referring physician should be both responsible, and 8% agreed the referring physician should do it.

CONCLUSION

Referring physicians were receptive to the direct communication of mammography results to women by radiologists. Use of this type of survey is recommended for radiologists planning to change their communication protocols.