The power and the pain : mammographic compression research from the service-users’ perspective

Robinson, L; Hogg, P; Newton-Hughes, AM

Abstract

Purpose: to explore the value service-users can add to our understanding of inter-practitioner
compression variability in mammography. Imaging of the breast for the screening and detection of
breast carcinoma is generally carried out by mammographic examination the technique for which includes
compression of the breast. Evolving research calls into question compression practice in terms of
practitioner consistency thus raising the possibility that strong compression may not be required. We
were interested to know whether this was important to service-users and if such knowledge might
influence their behaviour.
Methods: and sample: A qualitative study involving 3 focus groups interviews (n = 4, 6 & 5). Participants
were first asked to reflect on their own experiences of breast compression within the context of a breast
screening examination, then interpret the results of the evolving research detailed above. We then
explored whether these participants might behave differently during future mammography in light
being appraised of these research findings.
Results: A grounded approach was used to analyse the data into themes. The two overarching themes
were i) Service-User Empowerment, which illustrates the difficulties participants believe women would
encounter in exercising power in the breast screening mammographic examination; and ii) Service User
Experience of Mammography, which unearthed unanticipated aspects of the examination, other than
compression, that contribute to pain and discomfort and which therefore need investigation.
Conclusion: Involving service-users more collaboratively in research can help investigators understand
the impact of their work and highlight patient-relevant areas for further investigation.

Citation

Robinson, L., Hogg, P., & Newton-Hughes, A. (2013). The power and the pain : mammographic compression research from the service-users’ perspective. Radiography, 19(3), 190-195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2013.04.005

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Aug 1, 2013
• Deposit Date: Oct 8, 2013
• Journal: Radiography
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 190-195
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2013.04.005
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2013.04.005
• Related Public URLs: http://www.journals.elsevier.com/radiography/