Towards optimisation of compression force in mammography
This work focusses on the compression force applied to the breast during mammographic imaging. The lack of guidance and evidence base has led to variability in practice, and the implications of this will be discussed. All research was carried out on mammography units used within the U.K. National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP), and as such, emphasis has been placed on U.K. protocols and guidance. It is important to note however that this work does have implications for international breast screening programmes, as the impact considers technological, client and practitioner- based issues.The aim of this thesis is to discuss the implications of the lack of standardisation of compression force in terms of image quality and dose. The first section provides a contextual background using literature. The second section includes the published papers for consideration, 10 papers are included which have all been published in peer reviewed journals. The author’s contribution for each paper has been demonstrated and confirmed by co-authors, the main input to the work presented for this thesis is to ensure the approach taken has validity, reliability and reproducibility and the data is presented in a novel and appropriate manor. The systematic acquisition and distribution of the acquired and novel knowledge are discussed in the critical review section. This section addresses each objective, critically reviewing the published research, together with key findings and the contribution of each of the papers.Additionally, further work will be discussed, demonstration the author’s independent research building on the previous work, and future direction in the field.
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