A PROPOSAL FOR A NATIONAL MAMMOGRAPHY DATABASE - CONTENT, PURPOSE, AND VALUE

A national mammography database is a centralized, computerized method of data collection consisting of two possible parts: a national mammog raphy audit and a system for monitoring and tracking patients. A natio nal mammography audit refers to collecting and analyzing medical audit data of individual mammography practices at a national level and is a critical step in Improving the interpretive component of mammography. The monitoring and tracking component refers to a centralized system that provides women and physicians with a recruitment and follow-up me chanism to optimize participation in mammography services. Both parts of a national mammography database represent important components in t he improvement of mammography quality. However, unique scientific, leg al, and fiscal concerns are important to consider before establishing a national mammography database.