Breast Imaging: How to Talk to Patients

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The primary purpose of this paper is to offer advice to breast imagers on how they can better communicate with their patients and to demonstrate the value of honing their communication skills.

Recent Findings

Recent findings show that breast imagers must now fill a clinical role, as well as an imaging one. Breast imagers are the only ones who can synthesize all the imaging, pathology, and clinical information and present it to their patients in a meaningful and clinically relevant way.

Summary

By developing good communication skills, breast imagers can better serve their patients’ medical needs and win their trust as both concerned physicians and caring human beings.