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Purpose: To develop and validate an automated software analysis method for mammography image quality assessment of the American College of Radiology (ACR) digital mammography (DM) phantom images. Methods: Twenty‐seven DICOM images were acquired using Fuji mammography systems. All images were evaluated by three expert medical physicists using the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) mammography quality control guideline. To enhance the robustness and sensitivity assessment of our algorithm, an additional set of 12 images from a Hologic mammography system was included to test various phantom positional adjustments. The software automatically chose multiple regions of interest (ROIs) for analysis. A template matching method was primarily used for image analysis, followed by an additional method that locates and scores each target object (speck groups, fibers, and masses). Results: The software performance shows a good to excellent agreement with the average scoring of observers (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] of 0.75, 0.79, 0.82 for speck groups, fibers, and masses, respectively). No significant differences were found in the scoring of target objects between human observers and the software. Both methods achieved scores meeting the pass criteria for speck groups and masses. Expert observers allocated lower scores to fiber objects, with diameters less than 0.61 mm, when compared to the software. The software was able to accurately score objects when the phantom position changed by up to 25 mm laterally, up to 5 degrees rotation, and overhanging the chest wall edge by up to 15 mm. Conclusions: Automated software analysis is a feasible method that may help improve the consistency and reproducibility of mammography image quality assessment with reduced reliance on human interaction and processing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we explore the nexus between social networks and expertise development of Australian breast radiologists. Background literature has shown that a lack of appropriate social networks and interaction among certain professional group(s) may be an obstacle for knowledge acquisition, information flow and expertise sharing. To date there have not been any systematic studies investigating how social networks and expertise development are interconnected and whether this leads to improved performance for breast radiologists.Methods: This study explores the value of social networks in building expertise alongside with other constructs of performance for the Australian radiology workforce using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 17 breast radiologists.Results: The findings from this study emphasise the influences of knowledge transfer and learning through social networks and interactions as well as knowledge acquisition and development through experience and feedback. The results also show that accessibility to learning resources and a variety of timely feedback on performance through the information and communication technologies (ICT) is likely to facilitate improved performance and build social support.Conclusions: We argue that radiologists' and, in particular, breast radiologists' work performance, needs to be explored not only through individual numerical characteristics but also by analysing the social context and peer support networks in which they operate and we identify multidisciplinary care as a core entity of social learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Although the medical system has expanded considerably over the past two decades in almost all countries, so too has the demand for health care. The radiology specialisation may be an early system indicator, being especially sensitive to changes in supply and demand in both rural and urban environments. The question is whether the new policies of increasing the number of radiologists can be a proper long-term solution for the imbalance of workforce supply and demand or not. Methods. Using system dynamics modelling, we present our integrated descriptive models for the supply and demand of Australian radiologists to find the actual gap. Followed by this, we pose a prescriptive model for the supply in order to lessen the identified imbalance between supply and demand. Our system dynamics models compare the demand and supply of Australian radiologists over 40 years between 2010 and 2050. Results. The descriptive model shows that even if the radiology training program grows at a higher rate than the medical training growth rate and its own historical growth, the system will never be able to meet demand. The prescriptive model also indicates that although changing some influential factors (e.g the intake rate) reduces the level of imbalance, the system will still stay unstable during the study period. Conclusion. We posit that Australia may need to design a new system of radiology provision to meet future demands for high-quality medical radiation services. We also suggest some strategies, such as greater development of radiographers' role, are critical for enabling sustainable change over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To design a device that can support the breast during phase‐contrast tomography, and characterise its fit parameterisation and comfort rating. Methods: 27 participants were recruited to trial a system for breast support during simulated phase contrast imaging, including being positioned on a prone imaging table while wearing the device. Participants underwent a photogrammetry analysis to establish the geometric parameterisations. All participants trialled a single‐cup design while 14 participants also trialled a double‐cup with suction holder and all completed a series of questionnaires to understand subjective comfort. Results: Photogrammetry revealed significant positive correlations between bra cup volume and measured prone volume (p < 0.001), and between "best fit" single‐cup holder volume and measured prone volume (p < 0.005). Both holders were suitable devices in terms of subjective comfort and immobilisation while stationary. However, some re‐engineering to allow for quick, easy fitting in future trials where rotation through the radiation beam will occur is necessary. Light suction was well‐tolerated when required. Conclusion: All participants indicated the table and breast support devices were comfortable, and they would continue in the trial. Advances in knowledge: Phase contrast tomography is an emerging breast imaging modality and clinical trials are commencing internationally. This paper describes the biomedical engineering designs, in parallel with optimal imaging, that are necessary to measure breast volume so that adequate breast support can be achieved. Breast support devices have implications for comfort, motion correction and maximising breast tissue visualisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]