Women's and residents’ experiences of communication in the diagnostic mammography suite

ObjectiveTo gain understanding of radiology residents’ and women's experiences, concerns, information needs, coping strategies and perspectives about optimal communication during diagnostic mammography.MethodsQualitative analysis of focus groups of radiology residents and women who had undergone diagnostic mammograms.ResultsFive categories of themes emerged from our analysis: information needs, perspectives and ideals, emotional experiences and observations, working together, individual experiences, and others’ roles. Women preferred continuous orientation, clear explanations and emotional support by physicians and radiology technologists throughout diagnostic processes. Communication about diagnostic mammogram results evoked the threat of breast cancer and was experienced as “bad news” by women, but not necessarily by all radiology residents. Lack of collaboration among radiologists, technologists and other healthcare professionals engendered confusion and anxiety in patients. Radiology residents felt inadequately prepared to meet the communication challenges of providing information and emotional support tailored to women's needs in this context.ConclusionWomen's experiences are influenced by the extent to which they receive clear information and support, and perceive collaboration among professionals involved in the diagnostic mammography process.Practice implicationsRadiology education must address communication with patients and among healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients undergoing diagnostic procedures and interventions.