Project Summary

Softcopy reading implies a drastic change in the overall workflow in screening programs.The uptake of this new technology in a medical area with a highly optimized and established film-based workflow requires a commitment by technology providers to make further improvements, and to assist with the installation, and the integration with other technologies. Training and the provision of transition strategies and solutions are matters of great concern in the established European screening programs.

The strategy in the project is to:

1) Bundle and manage existing technologic, scientific, and clinical expertise to install softcopy reading and digital mammography at "User Demonstration Sites" that are able to serve as role models and nucleation points for the further uptake of softcopy reading in screening programs,

2) Exploit these installations to a) Make a direct clinical comparison between softcopy reading and film-based reading, and thus validate softcopy reading, and b) Make a direct economic comparison between softcopy reading and film-based reading,

3) Demonstrate and document how to manage the transition from film-based to digital screening mammography,

4) Provide coordinated technological and scientific guidance during the complete transition process from film-based mammography to digital mammography with softcopy reading.