Digital technology applied in the resident program in radiology: impact on the performance of mammographic images readings

Abstract

The mammography is one of the techniques that demands from professionals Knowledge and experience in the interpretation of the images, however is not certain if this consensus can be extended for the digital mammography. The cost-benefit relation of digital systems as substitute of the conventional systems is being discussed. Moreover, the process of detection of suspicious structures in the image has had a significant aid based on computational schemes named Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD). The objective of this work is to investigate the advantages of these schemes in clinical routines as available tool to the specialist or the professionals being trained. This study intends to clarify whether and when this tool can be used during the residents program in radiology in order to contribute to improve theirs skills. This proposal also compromises to compare conventional mammographic images, digitized film and digital images gotten from Full Digital Field system and Computed Radiology system. The results on the other hand will propitiate defining parameters to optimize cost-benefit relation of these technologies for training and medical application. This project involves doctors in training and radiology area specialists and will allow to the attainment m answers with direct application in the clinical routine and downright benefits to the population. (AU)