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Biomedical subjects

P A Wilcox

Publications and source records attributed to P A Wilcox.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Relationship between phantom failure rates and radiation dose in mammography accreditation.

The American College of Radiology Mammography Accreditation Program (ACR MAP) reviews both clinical mammograms and a phantom image to assess clinical and technical quality from each mammography unit. The phantom contains details representing fibers (speculations), speck groups (microcalcifications), and masses. The depiction of these structures by the mammographic system is scored by medical physicists. The phantom image is taken using the facility's exposure technique for a 4.2-cm thick breast of average composition. The mean glandular dose (MGD) is determined from a set of thermoluminescent dosimeters placed on top of the chest wall edge of the phantom. Phantom scores and MGD data collected from 1993 to 1999 based on 31 535 unit evaluations are presented in this paper. The relationship between the failure rate for phantom image quality and MGD has been analyzed. While over all doses the phantom failure rate was 11%, for doses of 0.26 to 0.50 mGy the failure rate was 43%. The phantom failure rate fell continuously to about 6% for MGDs in the range of 1.51-2.0 mGy. With further increases in dose, failure rates began to rise. Factors that may account for these results are presented and discussed.

Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation↗
PubMed2001

The mammography quality standards act: benefits and burdens.

The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) took the voluntary peer review process of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Mammography Accreditation Program (MAP) and used it for the foundation of a stringent set of federal regulations. By mandating accreditation, certification, and inspection for all providers, the legislative objective was to assure American women that they have the equal opportunity for quality breast cancer screening no matter where they reside. However, as with any government regulation there is an inherent cost to the regulated community. This article will address the need for regulation, the positive impact and the additional burdens that have resulted.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2000

Reasons for failure of a mammography unit at clinical image review in the American College of Radiology Mammography Accreditation Program.

PURPOSE: To identify the most common deficiencies in the quality of mammograms submitted for clinical image evaluation (evaluation of image from actual patient referred for mammography). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 1997, the American College of Radiology Mammography Accreditation Program reviewed clinical images for 2,341 mammography units. For each mammography unit, the facility submitted bilateral mediolateral oblique and craniocaudal mammograms obtained in a woman with fatty breasts and a woman with dense breasts. Images were reviewed independently by two experienced radiologists. Reviewers listed the general categories and specific deficiencies that led to a decision to fail the unit that produced the clinical images. RESULTS: Of the 2,341 mammography units, 1,034 (44%) failed the clinical image evaluation process. Of 6,128 categories cited by reviewers as deficient, 1,250 (20%) involved problems in positioning; 944 (15%), exposure; 887 (14%), compression; 806 (13%), sharpness; 785 (13%), contrast; 703 (11%), labeling; 465 (8%), artifacts; and 288 (5%), noise. A significantly higher proportion of failures was attributed to positioning deficiencies for fatty breasts than for dense breasts (P =.028). Higher proportions of failures in dense breasts were related to compression (P <.001) and exposure (P <.001) deficiencies. CONCLUSION: Common problems in clinical image quality have been identified. This information should be useful for educators and facilities striving to improve the quality of mammography.

Accreditation↗
PubMed1993

Mammography film-labeling practices.

The labeling practices of 390 facilities that consecutively submitted screening mammography images (mediolateral oblique and craniocaudal views) to the American College of Radiology (ACR) Mammography Accreditation Program over a 2-month period were evaluated. Methods for identifying the patient and facility included a flash card at 333 facilities (85%), stick-on paper labels at 54 (14%), and handwriting directly on the film at three (1%). Identification labels included the patient's first and last name at 372 facilities (95%), the date at 370 (95%), the name of the facility at 349 (89%), a unique patient identification number at 328 (84%), the patient's age at 169 (43%), the name of the referring physician at 146 (37%), and the patient's date of birth at 129 (33%). Labeling practices, information provided, and methods used varied considerably from one site to another. Adoption of ACR guidelines for labeling mammography films is encouraged.

Female↗
PubMed1991

The American College of Radiology Mammography Accreditation Program.

This article discusses the background, goals, criteria, current results, impact, and future directions of the American College of Radiology's (ACR's) Mammography Accreditation Program. To date, approximately one half of the mammographic units in the United States have voluntarily applied for accreditation through the ACR program, with approximately one quarter of the units in the United States now accredited. Application rates have increased steadily since the start of the program in August 1987. The equipment performance criteria and professional criteria defined and employed in the ACR Mammography Accreditation Program have been adopted as standards for the performance of screening mammography by the ACR and have served as a basis for quality assurance standards in state and federal legislation on mammography.

Accreditation↗
PubMed1986

Admission: the consumer's first impression.

In today's changing healthcare economy, it's critical for a hospital to attract and retain a client base. The healthcare consumer's choice of hospital is based on their perception of the quality of care. Although virtually all hospitals espouse excellence in care, the consumer's perception must agree or they will go elsewhere. First impression of the hospital begins with admission. This article describes the interactive approach taken by Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia to solve admission/discharge problems.

Georgia↗