The value of guidelines in a breast screening service.

The use of agreed guidelines in the management of common surgical and medical conditions has received much attention and enjoys varying degrees of support. In May 1992 the UK Breast Screening Programme produced guidelines with the intention of providing criteria for all units to attempt to achieve. We have investigated these guidelines as a means of comparative audit and stimulus for change. Two units were compared, one in a teaching centre and the other in a district general hospital. Although both units performed for the most part within the guidelines, areas where improvement could be made were identified and measures to correct deficiencies taken. This resulted in improved performance in those areas. The study demonstrates that guidelines can have considerable benefit in helping to identify problems in the provision of care and introducing measures to improve the situation.