Improving how doctors read screening mammograms to catch breast cancer earlier
Defining and Optimizing Critical Interpretation Skills in Screening Mammography to Improve Cancer Detection
This project uses a simulation and feedback program to help radiology trainees and general radiologists get better at spotting cancers on screening mammograms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11333057 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is building a specialized simulation where trainees can practice reading screening mammograms independently and receive objective feedback. Experts in radiology, computer science, and psychology will measure how perceptual and thinking skills develop and which training steps reduce errors. Trainee performance will be tracked over time with sequential tests and feedback to find the most helpful learning methods. The ultimate aim is to reduce missed cancers and unnecessary follow-up imaging or biopsies by improving how mammograms are read.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are radiology residents and general radiologists who routinely interpret screening mammograms and are willing to use the simulation training and feedback system.
Not a fit: People who are not undergoing screening mammography or who need immediate diagnostic care for symptomatic breast problems are unlikely to directly benefit from this training-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more accurate mammogram readings, earlier cancer detection, and fewer unneeded follow-up tests for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Prior simulation and feedback programs for imaging interpretation have shown promising results but have produced variable outcomes, so this work builds on encouraging but not yet definitive evidence.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salkowski, Lonie — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Salkowski, Lonie
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.