According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, when physicians are interrupted during mammogram readings, it detrimentally affects their overall performance, resulting in higher recall rates, decreased accuracy, and diminished job satisfaction. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center engaged nine breast cancer-specialized radiologists to interpret 150 previously analyzed mammogram screenings between 2008 and 2015. The study, categorizing readings as interrupted and uninterrupted, revealed significantly higher recall rates (35.4%) and reduced accuracy (69.5%) during interrupted sessions compared to uninterrupted ones (31.4% and 73.6% respectively). Despite interruptions having minimal impact on reading times, radiologists reported heightened busyness and physical fatigue.
Mammograms are crucial for early detection of breast cancer, aiding in timely treatment and improved survival rates.
Lead author Sora Yoon, MD, highlighted significant negative impacts on physician well-being, raising concerns about the tangible and intangible effects of interruptions on breast radiologists. Notably, although interruptions correlated with feelings often associated with physician burnout, the radiologists expressed no insecurity in their diagnostic abilities. The study emphasizes the need for further research to comprehend distraction’s influence on job satisfaction and physician well-being, considering the nuanced survey results.
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