Media release
19 June 2007
New guide promotes more accurate communication of breast imaging results
The National Breast Cancer Centre has released a new reporting guide for breast imaging to ensure consistency in communication between radiologists and referring doctors.
The National Breast Cancer Centre’s Synoptic breast imaging report includes a five-point classification system for imaging findings to help prevent errors in interpretation and to effectively communicate the level of concern between the radiologist and referring doctor.
“The reporting guide provides a summary of essential information in a checklist format with standard language and descriptions and is intended for use alongside a narrative report,” said Director of the National Breast Cancer Centre, Dr Helen Zorbas.
“It is also intended to facilitate the transfer of information to databases for quality improvement activities and audit,” said Dr Zorbas.
The Synoptic breast imaging report provides an update to the National Breast Cancer Centre’s Breast Imaging: a guide for practice released in 2002.
Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists Breast Imaging Reference Group, Dr Liz Wylie, was involved in the development of the Synoptic breast imaging report and is encouraging its uptake.
“Research has shown there has been limited uptake of imaging guidelines in the past by public and private radiology practices in Australia,” said Dr Wylie.
“The new Synoptic breast imaging report aims to address this with its improved design and applicability to radiologists and referring clinicians.”
The National Breast Cancer Centre Synoptic breast imaging report has been endorsed by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.
The National Breast Cancer Centre and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists are co-sponsoring a National Institute of Clinical Studies fellowship in 2008 to support the implementation of the reporting guide. Applications are now invited for the fellowship. For more information, visit www.nhmrc.gov.au/nics.
The Synoptic breast imaging report is available to order from the National Breast Cancer Centre’s website www.nbocc.org.au or by calling 1800 624 973.
The National Breast Cancer Centre is funded by the Australian Government and works with consumers, health professionals, cancer organisations, researchers and governments to improve health outcomes in breast and ovarian cancer.
Media contact: Bree Stevens 0438 209 833