Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To explore women's views on diagnostic breast test information and elicit their preferences for this information. DESIGN: In-depth, face-to-face interview. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-seven women who had previously participated in a population-based telephone survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Qualitative thematic analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of interview transcripts revealed information about: (1) the wide range of information participants wanted about diagnostic mammography; (2) general reactions to diagnostic breast test information, including positive and negative reactions, views of test accuracy information and perceived influences on information preferences; (3) preferences for information content and presentation including the need for written information, the meaning of statistical information, different views on a simple presentation style, and variation in preferences; and (4) women's understanding of diagnostic test results. CONCLUSION: Women want a range of information about diagnostic mammography, which is relevant at different times in the decision-making and testing process. Many women have difficulty interpreting test results.