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Wednesday, June 28, 2006
About Mammography
Diminish anxiety
The patient's experience starts the moment she walks into the facility -- not the examining room -- so your facility should offer a relaxing environment to patients. Comfortable decor and soft music can go a long way to help ease tension.
Reduce the embarrassment factor
Surprisingly, only a small minority of women are comfortable with their breasts. Most believe they're too big or too small, or have other issues with their appearance, such as inverted nipples or symmetric size. It can help women feel less self-conscious if you remove only half of the gown during each portion of the examination so they do not feel completely exposed.
Use visual aids
Another way to reduce anxiety is to place visual aids about the value of compression around your office.
Communicate with the patient
Technologists should always take some time to talk to the patient prior to the examination. Tell her what the examination will involve. Also ask her how her last exam was and whether she experienced any discomfort, including pain from compression or a chill from the plates. Invite comments from the patient during the examination. This will help her feel more in control of the exam and reduce her anxiety level.
Use manual compression instead of the foot pedal
Use scheduling to your advantage
Breast sensitivity varies from woman to woman and is sometimes hormone-dependent. Women who are still menstruating will often experience increased breast tenderness before their period.
Don't be afraid to reschedule
By Kelly Bilodeau
AuntMinnie.com contributing writer
June 27, 2006
The patient's experience starts the moment she walks into the facility -- not the examining room -- so your facility should offer a relaxing environment to patients. Comfortable decor and soft music can go a long way to help ease tension.
Reduce the embarrassment factor
Surprisingly, only a small minority of women are comfortable with their breasts. Most believe they're too big or too small, or have other issues with their appearance, such as inverted nipples or symmetric size. It can help women feel less self-conscious if you remove only half of the gown during each portion of the examination so they do not feel completely exposed.
Use visual aids
Another way to reduce anxiety is to place visual aids about the value of compression around your office.
Communicate with the patient
Technologists should always take some time to talk to the patient prior to the examination. Tell her what the examination will involve. Also ask her how her last exam was and whether she experienced any discomfort, including pain from compression or a chill from the plates. Invite comments from the patient during the examination. This will help her feel more in control of the exam and reduce her anxiety level.
Use manual compression instead of the foot pedal
Use scheduling to your advantage
Breast sensitivity varies from woman to woman and is sometimes hormone-dependent. Women who are still menstruating will often experience increased breast tenderness before their period.
Don't be afraid to reschedule
By Kelly Bilodeau
AuntMinnie.com contributing writer
June 27, 2006
Posted by: Ds20040999 / 8:06 AM 
