Incorporating breast tomosynthesis into radiology residency: Does trainee experience in breast imaging translate into improved performance with this new modality?
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is a powerful new imaging modality that has the potential to transform breast cancer screening practices. The advantages over mammography include improved sensitivity and specificity as well as the detection of additional invasive cancers. While this modality holds many advantages, the best means of incorporating DBT into radiology training programs is currently not well understood. The initial performance of a trainee in DBT might depend on the amount of previous radiology training, in particular breast imaging experience. In our study, we tested the DBT interpretive skills of radiology trainees with different levels of breast imaging training, but with no prior DBT experience. We recruited 16 radiology trainees to review 60 DBT studies. A fellowship-trained expert breast radiologist reviewed the studies and provided the gold standard interpretations. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the performance of the trainees. Our results show that there is no notable difference in trainee performance in DBT, regardless of the number of years of general radiology experience. These results provide guidance to breast imaging educators as they prepare new curricula to teach DBT. These curricula should provide a base training which will likely be suitable for all trainee levels.
