As one of the core values of the Society of Breast Imaging, patient-centered care calls for breast imaging radiologists to collaborate with patients in shared decision-making processes to optimize patient care and satisfaction. Effective communication is critical to this process. In addition to expert interpretive and technical skills, breast imaging radiologists must develop proficiency in communicating with patients who face the challenges of receiving a breast biopsy recommendations, undergoing biopsies and receiving breast cancer diagnoses. In these settings, patient-centered communications require an understanding of patient needs, goals and preferences; they also require skillful engagement in collaborative, informative and supportive discussions.
While breast imaging has been the radiology leader in a patient-centered approach to care, there is a paucity of formal training in patient communications, leaving gaps for those already in practice and a need for specific strategies for current trainees. In the first of a two-part series, moderator Dr. Mary Scott Soo, along with Dr. Stamatia Destounis, will describe ways to improve awareness of patient experiences and perspectives in breast imaging, to set the stage for effective patient centered communications. This webinar will also enable attendees to recognize strategies for effective communications during biopsy recommendations and procedures, and provide tools for preparing patients for potential breast cancer diagnoses in these settings.
Earn up to 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ or 2.0 Category A credits
CME-CE Released: 10/01/2020 CME-CE Expires: 10/01/2023
Physician Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of The American College of Radiology and The Society of Breast Imaging. The American College of Radiology is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Physician Credit Designation
The American College of Radiology designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Technologist Accreditation Statement
The American College of Radiology (ACR) is approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) as a Recognized Continuing Education Evaluation Mechanism (RCEEM) to sponsor and/or review Continuing Education programs for Radiologic Technologists and Radiation Therapists.
Technologist Credit Designation
The American College of Radiology designates this educational activity as meeting the criteria for up to 2.0 Category A Credit hours of the ARRT.
Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest
The ACR Disclosure Policy: In compliance with ACCME requirements and guidelines, the ACR has developed a policy for disclosure and review of potential conflicts of interest, and a method for resolution if a conflict does exist. The ACR maintains a tradition of scientific integrity and objectivity in its educational activities. In order to preserve these values and ensure its educational activities are independent and free of commercial bias, all individuals, including planners, presenters, moderators and evaluators, participating in an ACR educational activity, or an activity jointly provided by the ACR must disclose all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest.
The following planners and managers have no financial relationships to disclose:
Jennifer Luettinger, Natalie Ward, Yasmeen Fields, Alexis LaCount, Stamatia Destounis, MD
The following faculty members have no financial relationships to disclose:
Mary Scott Soo, MD
- Describe ways to improve awareness of patient experiences and perspectives during breast imaging
- Recognize strategies for patient-centered communications during biopsy recommendations and procedures
- Identify strategies for patient communications when delivering biopsy results
- Describe techniques for communication of bad news by phone
- Summarize specific strategies for communicating during particularly challenging patient interactions

