Radiologists' perceptions of computer aided detection versus double reading for mammography interpretation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine radiologists' use and perceptions of computer-aided detection (CAD) and double reading for screening mammography interpretation.


METHODS
A mailed survey of 257 community radiologists participating in the national Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium was used to assess perceptions and practices related to CAD and double reading. Latent class analysis was used to classify radiologists' overall perceptions of CAD and double reading on the basis of their agreement or disagreement with specific statements about CAD and double reading.


RESULTS
Most radiologists (64%) reported using CAD for more than half the screening mammograms they interpreted, but only <5% reported double reading that much. More radiologists perceived that double reading improved cancer detection rates compared to CAD (74% vs 55% reported), whereas fewer radiologists thought that double reading decreased recall rates compared to CAD (50% vs 65% reported). Radiologists with the most favorable perceptions of CAD were more likely to think that CAD improved cancer detection rates without taking too much time compared to radiologists with the most unfavorable overall perceptions. In latent class analysis, an overall favorable perception of CAD was significantly associated with the use of CAD (81%), a higher percentage of workload in screening mammography (80%), academic affiliation (71%), and fellowship training (58%). Perceptions of double reading that were most favorable were associated with academic affiliation (98%).


CONCLUSIONS
Radiologists' perceptions were more favorable toward double reading by a second clinician than by a computer, although fewer used double reading in their own practice. The majority of radiologists perceived both CAD and double reading at least somewhat favorably, although for largely different reasons.
Onega
Tracy
T
Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. onega@dartmouth.edu
Aiello Bowles
Erin J
EJ
Miglioretti
Diana L
DL
Carney
Patricia A
PA
Geller
Berta M
BM
Yankaskas
Bonnie C
BC
Kerlikowske
Karla
K
Sickles
Edward A
EA
Elmore
Joann G
JG
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008327:Mammography / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015588:Observer Variation; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D011871:Radiology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology