Quality assurance for screening mammography data collection systems in 22 countries

Objectives: To document the mammography data that are gathered by the organ ized screening programs participating in the International Breast Cancer Sc reening Network (IBSN), the nature of their procedures for data quality ass urance, and the measures used to assess program performance and impact. Methods: A detailed questionnaire covering multiple aspects of quality assu rance in screening mammography was mailed to IBSN representatives in 23 cou ntries. Results: Countries collect a wealth of screening mammography data, much of it computerized. Most countries have designated staff for data quality assu rance. All provide staff training, and most have documentation requirements for data collection. Nearly all have one or more procedures to maintain da ta confidentiality. Countries are heterogeneous in collecting and assessing data to monitor screening program performance and impact. Conclusions: Demonstrating that population-based screening mammogra phy reduces breast cancer mortality requires collection of high-quality dat a on key aspects of the multi-step screening process. Assuring the quality of data collection systems for screening mammography programs is an importa nt and evolving area for IBSN countries.