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Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology

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Research ArticleClinical Investigation

A Survey of Patient Experience During Molecular Breast Imaging

Carrie B. Hruska, Lacey R. Gray, Sarah M. Jenkins, Emily A. Block, Katie N. Hunt, Amy Lynn Conners, Shannon N. Zingula, Michael K. O’Connor and Deborah J. Rhodes
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology June 2024, 52 (2) 107-114; DOI: https://doi.org/10.2967/jnmt.123.266856
Carrie B. Hruska
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota;
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Lacey R. Gray
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota;
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Sarah M. Jenkins
2Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota;
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Emily A. Block
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota;
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Katie N. Hunt
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota;
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Amy Lynn Conners
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota;
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Shannon N. Zingula
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota;
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Michael K. O’Connor
1Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota;
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Deborah J. Rhodes
3Department of Internal Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut; and
4Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Abstract

Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is one of several options available to patients seeking supplemental screening due to mammographically dense breasts. Patient experience during MBI may influence willingness to undergo the test but has yet to be formally assessed. We aimed to assess patient comfort level during MBI, to compare MBI comfort with mammography comfort, to identify factors associated with MBI discomfort, and to evaluate patients’ willingness to return for future MBI. Methods: A 10-question survey was sent by e-mail to patients undergoing MBI between August and December 2022 to obtain quantitative assessments and qualitative opinions about MBI. Results: Of 561 invited patients, 209 (37%) completed the survey and provided study consent. Their average age was 60.1 y (range, 40–81 y). Of the 209 responders, 202 (97%) were presenting for screening MBI, 195 (94%) had dense breasts, and 46 (22%) had a personal history of breast cancer. The average rating of MBI comfort was 2.9 (SD, 1.5; median, 3.0) on a 7-point scale (1 indicating extremely comfortable and 7 indicating extremely uncomfortable). The rating distribution was as follows: 140 (67%) comfortable (rating, 1–3); 24 (12%) neither comfortable nor uncomfortable (rating, 4); and 45 (22%) uncomfortable (rating, 5 or 6). No responders gave a 7 rating. The most frequently mentioned sources of discomfort included breast compression (n = 16), back or neck discomfort (n = 14), and maintaining position during the examination (n = 14). MBI comfort was associated with responder age (74% ≥55 y old were comfortable, versus 53% <55 y old [P = 0.003]) and history of MBI (71% with prior MBI were comfortable, versus 61% having a first MBI [P = 0.006]). Of 208 responders with a prior mammogram, 148 (71%) said MBI is more comfortable than mammography (a significant majority [P < 0.001]). Of 202 responders to the question of whether they were willing to return for a future MBI, 196 (97%) were willing. A notable factor in positive patient experience was interaction with the MBI nuclear medicine technologist. Conclusion: Most responders thought MBI to be a comfortable examination and more comfortable than mammography. Patient experience during MBI may be improved by ensuring back support and soliciting patient feedback at the time of positioning and throughout the examination. Methods under study to reduce imaging time may be most important for improving patient experience.

  • molecular breast imaging
  • survey
  • patient experience
  • comfort

Footnotes

  • Published online Jan. 9, 2024.

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Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology: 52 (2)
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
Vol. 52, Issue 2
June 1, 2024
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A Survey of Patient Experience During Molecular Breast Imaging
Carrie B. Hruska, Lacey R. Gray, Sarah M. Jenkins, Emily A. Block, Katie N. Hunt, Amy Lynn Conners, Shannon N. Zingula, Michael K. O’Connor, Deborah J. Rhodes
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology Jun 2024, 52 (2) 107-114; DOI: 10.2967/jnmt.123.266856

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A Survey of Patient Experience During Molecular Breast Imaging
Carrie B. Hruska, Lacey R. Gray, Sarah M. Jenkins, Emily A. Block, Katie N. Hunt, Amy Lynn Conners, Shannon N. Zingula, Michael K. O’Connor, Deborah J. Rhodes
Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology Jun 2024, 52 (2) 107-114; DOI: 10.2967/jnmt.123.266856
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Keywords

  • molecular breast imaging
  • survey
  • patient experience
  • comfort
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