Digital Mammography HTA Report (PDF, 972K, 2mins 10secs)
Digital Mammography HTA advice (PDF, 96K, 12secs)
About this assessment
The aim of this Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is to explore the most clinically and cost-effective way to implement digital technology for breast screening in Scotland, without compromising the quality of the existing service. Scientific literature was systematically searched to identify evidence of the clinical and cost effectiveness of digital mammography. Experts, professional groups and other interested parties were also invited to submit evidence. All evidence was critically appraised. A working group was convened to identify the specific organisational issues relating to the introduction of digital technology to the SBSP and experiences from other breast screening programmes were considered.
Background
In 2005, the Scottish Executive Health Department (now the Scottish Government Health Directorates) published Delivering for Health which outlined its ‘e-health strategy’ for establishing a common information and communications technology system (Scottish Executive, 2005). This is essential if NHSScotland is to deliver integrated care services, giving the opportunity for faster, safer, more efficient and more patient-centred services. One activity generated by the strategy was the creation of a national Picture Archive and Communications System (PACS) to enable electronic transfer of digital records such as X-rays and scans. National roll out of this system was to be complete by June 2007 and such developments have precipitated an increasing use of digital technology throughout NHSScotland. The Breast and Cervical Screening National Advisory Group requested that NHS Quality Improvement Scotland considers a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to assist with the proposed introduction of digital mammography into the Scottish Breast Screening Programme (SBSP).
Understanding our advice
Digital Mammography - Understanding our advice (PDF, 82K, 10secs)
Equality & Diversity
Details of the equality and diversity impact assessment are available here 
