Radiography
Volume 17, Issue 1 , Pages 14-19, February 2011

Women with physical disability and the mammogram: An observational study to identify barriers and facilitators

  • Ann Poulos

      Affiliations

    • University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Discipline of Medical Radiation Sciences, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author.
    • ,
  • Susan Balandin

      Affiliations

    • University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Discipline of Speech Pathology, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia
    • Avdeling for helse- og sosialfag, Høgskolen i Molde, Postboks 2110, 6402 Molde, Norway
    • ,
  • Gwynnyth Llewellyn

      Affiliations

    • University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia
    • ,
  • Louella McCarthy

      Affiliations

    • University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Discipline of Occupational Therapy, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia
    • ,
  • Leigha Dark

      Affiliations

    • University of Sydney, Faculty of Health Sciences, Discipline of Speech Pathology, PO Box 170, Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia

Received 28 April 2010; received in revised form 11 June 2010; accepted 13 July 2010. published online 17 August 2010.

Abstract 

Purpose

To identify barriers and facilitators experienced by women with physical disability having a mammogram.

Method

Direct observation of the mammography procedure for women with a range of physical disability at screening facilities of BreastScreen NSW Australia.

Results

A volunteer sample of 13 women with varying degrees of physical disability participated in the study. The outcomes suggested that many barriers for women with physical disability can be ameliorated by environmental adaptations and guidelines for both radiographers and women. Some women however cannot be screened successfully, or can be screened only with a level of trauma and/or pain which militates against their continuation within the screening program. This study has identified physical limitations which preclude a successful outcome, those which increase the discomfort/pain of the procedure and aspects of the procedure which can be improved to minimise the experience of discomfort/pain.

Conclusion

From the outcomes of the study the development of a decision tool is indicated as a method of providing information for women with physical disability and their doctors as to the likelihood of a successful outcome to participation in mammography screening.

Keywords: Breast screening, Disability, Health care access, Preventive medicine

 

PII: S1078-8174(10)00083-0

doi:10.1016/j.radi.2010.07.001

Radiography
Volume 17, Issue 1 , Pages 14-19, February 2011

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