From the July 2018 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
Identifying partners that have already gained trust in the communities you wish to serve is paramount to the success of the mobile initiative. Interaction with the target population, communicating effectively, and working collaboratively with community partners cannot be overemphasized enough.
Jamie Stasiak, the mobile mammography program coordinator says, “We have learned a thing or two along the way. It is imperative that you research every aspect of the initiative thoroughly.” Our team learned that regardless of our preparation, there are things that you can’t plan for until you are in motion. Flexibility is key. Jamie added, “The team must be willing to conduct the outreach in the underserved communities and improvise as needed.”
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A case in point was that we learned quickly that the size of our mobile coach limited access on a variety of rural and urban roadways. A 45-foot tractor trailer provides ample space for a breast cancer screening mobile environment, but it also limits where you can travel and park. We have done our best to improvise where possible.
As the medical director of this rewarding initiative, I can tell you that selecting a strong team consisting of a mammography technologist, program coordinator and program assistant makes all the difference. Diversity within your staff or your community partners and cultural sensitivity training are a must. Strong leadership that has the ability to resolve issues and work collaboratively with the community at large creates an environment that can overcome barriers for the women we wish to serve. We have great pride in this initiative and highly recommend that other breast imaging facilities do their best to reach the underserved women in their communities.
About the author: Dr. Markus Holzhauer is a breast imaging radiologist and the mobile mammography medical director for Windsong Radiology Group, PC.
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