QUALITY ASSURANCE BY IMPROVED STRUCTURES OF COOPERATION - THE EXAMPLEOF DECENTRALIZED SCREENING MAMMOGRAPHY

The German Mammography Study investigated into quality assurance measu res for screening mammography, proceeding in a decentralised manner an d focussing especially on structure, process and outcome of the study. The field phase lasted for three years, and during this period the te chnology of the equipment used in mammography improved, also to the in dicators of process and of early outcome. The annual interval of exami nations was well received. To include mammography into the German canc er screening programme is no easy matter: it requires a comprehensive cooperative quality assurance programme incorporating various in stitu tions of medical care. Appropriate recommendations have been made to t he Federal Committee of Physicians and Sickness Insurance Bodies.