Radiological Outcomes Research Lab
Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, Director, 415/885-7464

The UCSF Radiology Outcomes Research Laboratory (RORL) was established in 1998 through the research efforts of Rebecca Smith-Bindman, MD, and occupies approximately 1000 sq. feet on the UCSF/Mt. Zion campus. The RORL serves as a resource for the Department of Radiology and provides consultation regarding outcomes research in radiology for numerous clinical services at UCSF. The lab focuses on the impact of radiology on important patient outcomes, such as morbidity and mortality and quality of life issues. The members of the RORL bring diversity of experience and training, not only in medicine and radiology, but also in epidemiology, biostatistics, demography, anthropology, public administration and policy, and population health. Current RORL research concentrates on the impact of radiological imaging on women's health. Recent studies have addressed: (1) the use of prenatal ultrasound for diagnosis of birth defects, chromosomal abnormalities, and reproductive outcomes; and (2) screening mammography, including screening strategies and programs, physician predictors of mammographic accuracy, and optimal ages for stopping mammographic screening.

(See article "Outcomes Research and Evidenced-Based Radiology")

Research Directions:

• Use of prenatal ultrasound for diagnosis of birth defects, chromosomal abnormalities, and reproductive outcomes
• Physician predictors of accuracy in the areas of ultrasound and mammography
• Utilization of screening mammography in the U.S., by age, race, SES
• Racial disparities in breast cancer mortality
• The impact of mammography on patient outcomes in elderly women
• Improving communication of radiology results to referring clinicians
• Methods to improve the accuracy of screening mammography

Recent Key References:

Benn PA, Egan JF, Fang M, Smith-Bindman R. Changes in the utilization of prenatal diagnosis. Obstet Gynecol 2004; 103(6):1255-60.

Elad Z, Shepherd J, Smith-Bindman R, Kerlikowske K. Mammographic breast density and family history of breast cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003; 95(7):556-8.

Kerlikowske K, Smith-Bindman R, Barclay J, Ling BM, Grady D. Evaluation of abnormal mammography examinations and breast abnormalities. Ann Intern Med 2003; 139(4):274-84.

Kerlikowske K, Smith-Bindman R, Sickles EA. Short-interval follow-up mammography: are we doing the right thing? J Natl Cancer Inst 2003; 19;95(6):418-9.

Smith-Bindman R, Chu P, Miglioretti D, Ballard-Barbash R, Blanks R, Lee N, Wallis M, Sickles E, Kerlkowske K. Comparison of screening mammography in the United States and the United Kingdom. JAMA 2003; 290(16):2129-37.

Smith-Bindman R, Chu B, Waters J, Mutton D, Alberman E. Down Syndrome screening methods and birth outcomes in England and Wales, 1989-1999. Am J Obst Gynecol 2003; 189(4):980-5