Communications During Mammography Examinations

Learning Objectives

Identify emotional concerns faced by patients during screening mammographyDiscuss communication methods crucial to patient care during the mammogram.State means of providing good customer satisfaction during mammography.Identify and discuss barriers to good communication.

Why this is important to you!

Mammography requires good communication skills and good customer service!We will explain how this relates to your education and future job experience as a radiologic technologist.Health care is the number one most desired profession!

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

THE GOODWe save lives!Mammograms can find early breast tumors!We understand our position on the importance of breast screening!We have the desire to make a difference!

The Bad

Mammograms do not find all cancers! There is a lot of controversy regarding mammography. Due to the heightened emotional intensity surrounding breast cancer, we are not nurses, but often function as a 15 minute therapist. This can be emotionally draining.

The Ugly

We often work short staffedWe are often overworked and unappreciated!We often feel discouraged!This is a very demanding job physically and mentally!

Sources of Emotional Concerns

Family history or perceived high risk for breast cancerPersonal experiences with friends or relativesInadequate or too much information; misinformationOngoing controversies and changing recommendationsOther life stresses

Concerns and Stressors for the Health Care Team

Skills and comfort in responding to and managing patient’s emotions and concernsOwn belief and emotionsProfessional vs personal relationship with patientCoordinating complex care with specialistsExplaining complex concepts and optionsLanguage barriers

The most important person

The end result!The patient is the most important person. She needs to feel that she is getting the same care and treatment as the first patient of the day.

Addressing the Actual Mammogram

As a technologist in the field of mammography, you need to understand the importance of what you are doing.

Addressing the Actual Mammogram

Mammography is the gold standard for breast screening! Competent skills produce the best films!Know your machine, techniques, compression paddles, magnification towers, and skin markers!

The Mammography Experience

KEY COMPONENTSCompetenceCommunicationSafety/ComfortCaring

The Patient is in the room

Always review your patient’s prior history and films whenever available! Inquire about allergies, and latex allergies!Ask if she has experienced any changes in her breast tissue in the past year.Inquire if she has silicone or saline implants! Always consent your patient before implant exams or other subsequent procedures.

Competence and Communication

Competence equals confidence!Confidence is projected to the patientBody language tells allDress neatly

Communication is essentialReduces anxiety for you and the patientUse terms the patient will understandInquire about comfort

Safety and Comfort Tips

Always wash your hands before and after each examClean the bucky in front of your patientTry to keep the room at a comfortable temperatureDisplay breast health information

Keep blinds and curtains closed, ensure privacyEnsure clean and appropriate sized gowns are availableBackground music is soothingAppropriate décor is inviting

Caring

Respect cultural differencesKeep an acceptable distanceProtect patient privacyPreserve modestyTouch the woman’s breast just enough to provide proper positioning

Show honesty and efficiency, let her know when you need leave the room to develop the films and when you will return(5-6 minutes)

Caring

Provide a translator if requiredEnsure that she knows that you may need to take one or two more pictures to ensure quality films for the radiologistUse sense of humor when appropriateRemember to smile!

“Forgive me for Caring”

REMEMBER EACH PATIENT IS AN INDIVIDUAL

Remember to ……….

A= Acknowledge

R= Respect

R=Respond

Learn as you go!

Each patient is differentEach situation is differentEach woman has a unique hormonal, biochemical and psychological makeup

Respecting Cultural Diversity

Some women are shy and embarrassed about exposure of their body, each culture is differentPreserve modesty and respect individual need for personal spaceProvide translator if required or sign language interpreter if deaf. Provide culturally sensitive health education materials in different languages for patients.

Overcoming Barriers to Communication

Respect cultural diversity and provide translator services as appropriateWatch your body language and non verbal cuesSpeak slowly and clearly Explain procedures and clinical terms in layman’s language

Remember!

Women who have emotional concerns may not process information well until their concerns are addressed!

Patient Education during Exam

Culturally appropriate patient education materials on displayHealthy Lifestyle Patient Education MaterialsPartnership Brochures written in different languages

Appropriate verbal education during examWhat she will feelWhat to expectWhen she will receive her results

Coping Strategies during Diagnostic Procedures for Patients and Staff

PATIENTS:- Use distraction techniques- Breathing techniques- Soft background music- Humor when appropriate- Gently laying a hand on the

patient to show sincerity and concern (if appropriate for that patient)

STAFF:- If you find yourself getting annoyed or upset, leave the room for a few minutes and inform the patient when you will return. Keep your focus.

Therapeutic Communication

Paraphrasing – Let me see if I understand, you feel …….Open ended questions - Tell me about ……Ask “What can I do to make you more comfortable during this exam”…….Observe non-verbals – You appear to be in pain, would you like me to lessen the paddle compression slightly

The Desire to Serve!

You have to have the desire to serve these women and men or you are in the wrong profession! Remember to take care of yourself!You do make a difference!

That is it! We are done!

Be the best you can be for your patient.