Optimizing Ergonomics in Breast Imaging.

Breast imaging radiologists spend many hours seated at workstations and are therefore at high risk for repetitive strain injuries and computer vision syndrome. In addition, many perform hand-held sonography and image-guided procedures, which may present additional ergonomic challenges. In this article, we describe optimal ergonomics for breast imaging radiologists and discuss additional strategies to mitigate risks from work-related injury and improve overall physical well-being.

Single incision for oncologic breast conserving surgery and sentinel node biopsy in early stage breast cancer: A minimally invasive approach.

Introduction: Breast conserving surgery (BCS) has a postoperative morbidity up to 30%. We report the feasibility of a single-incision approach for tumor excision and axillary sentinel node biopsy (SNB) sampling intended to minimize patient morbidity and complications.

Materials And Methods: A tertiary surgical oncology single surgeon database was retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing BCS and SNB between January 2013 and December 2015.

Radiologists and Social Media: Do Not Forget About Facebook.

Purpose: Facebook (Facebook, Inc, Menlo Park, California, USA) is the most popular social networking platform worldwide. Facebook groups are virtual communities of people who share a common interest. Breast Imaging Radiologists is a Facebook group for radiologists with an interest in breast imaging.

The Agony of It All: Musculoskeletal Discomfort in the Reading Room.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the extent and severity of musculoskeletal discomfort in radiologists using a standardized tool, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). In addition, we evaluated the influence of demographic factors on the frequency of symptoms, degree of discomfort, interference of symptoms with ability to work, and overall pain.

Methods: The CMDQ was distributed via an anonymous link to all radiology trainees and faculty at our institution.

X-ray scatter correction in breast tomosynthesis with a precomputed scatter map library.

Purpose: To develop and evaluate the impact on lesion conspicuity of a software-based x-ray scatter correction algorithm for digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) imaging into which a precomputed library of x-ray scatter maps is incorporated.

Methods: A previously developed model of compressed breast shapes undergoing mammography based on principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assemble 540 simulated breast volumes, of different shapes and sizes, undergoing DBT. A Monte Carlo (MC) simulation was used to generate the cranio-caudal (CC) view DBT x-ray scatter maps of these volumes, which were then assembled into a library.

Pay for performance: survey of diagnostic radiology faculty and trainees.

Purpose: Pay-for-performance (P4P) programs have been implemented in many health care markets in the United States. The purpose of this study was to survey faculty members and trainees regarding familiarity with the P4P model and their interest in further education.

Methods: An eight-question survey designed to explore faculty member and trainee awareness of and attitudes toward P4P was distributed.

Paying for performance in diagnostic imaging: current challenges and future prospects.

As concerns regarding medical errors and patient safety continue to escalate, policy makers and purchasers of care are developing novel methods to improve health care quality. One strategy for encouraging quality improvement uses financial incentives to reward physicians and hospitals for meeting or exceeding benchmarks of quality. This model, known as "paying for performance," is currently being implemented in a number of health care markets.