Suitability of the Current Health Technology Assessment of Innovative Artificial Intelligence-Based Medical Devices: Scoping Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI)-based medical devices have garnered attention due to their ability to revolutionize medicine. Their health technology assessment framework is lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the suitability of each health technology assessment (HTA) domain for the assessment of AI-based medical devices. METHODS: We conducted a scoping literature review following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) methodology. We searched databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library), gray literature, and HTA agency websites. RESULTS: A total of 10.1% (78/775) of the references were included. Data quality and integration are vital aspects to consider when describing and assessing the technical characteristics of AI-based medical devices during an HTA process. When it comes to implementing specialized HTA for AI-based medical devices, several practical challenges and potential barriers could be highlighted and should be taken into account (AI technological evolution timeline, data requirements, complexity and transparency, clinical validation and safety requirements, regulatory and ethical considerations, and economic evaluation). CONCLUSIONS: The adaptation of the HTA process through a methodological framework for AI-based medical devices enhances the comparability of results across different evaluations and jurisdictions. By defining the necessary expertise, the framework supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of conducting robust and reliable HTAs of AI-based medical devices. A comprehensive adapted HTA framework for AI-based medical devices can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and societal impact of AI-based medical devices, guiding their responsible implementation and maximizing their benefits for patients and health care systems.

Machine learning decision tree models for multiclass classification of common malignant brain tumors using perfusion and spectroscopy MRI data.

Background: To investigate the contribution of machine learning decision tree models applied to perfusion and spectroscopy MRI for multiclass classification of lymphomas, glioblastomas, and metastases, and then to bring out the underlying key pathophysiological processes involved in the hierarchization of the decision-making algorithms of the models. Methods: From 2013 to 2020, 180 consecutive patients with histopathologically proved lymphomas (n = 77), glioblastomas (n = 45), and metastases (n = 58) were included in machine learning analysis after undergoing MRI. The perfusion parameters (rCBVmax, PSRmax) and spectroscopic concentration ratios (lac/Cr, Cho/NAA, Cho/Cr, and lip/Cr) were applied to construct Classification and Regression Tree (CART) models for multiclass classification of these brain tumors. A 5-fold random cross validation was performed on the dataset. Results: The decision tree model thus constructed successfully classified all 3 tumor types with a performance (AUC) of 0.98 for PCNSLs, 0.98 for GBM and 1.00 for METs. The model accuracy was 0.96 with a RSquare of 0.887. Five rules of classifier combinations were extracted with a predicted probability from 0.907 to 0.989 for that end nodes of the decision tree for tumor multiclass classification. In hierarchical order of importance, the root node (Cho/NAA) in the decision tree algorithm was primarily based on the proliferative, infiltrative, and neuronal destructive characteristics of the tumor, the internal node (PSRmax), on tumor tissue capillary permeability characteristics, and the end node (Lac/Cr or Cho/Cr), on tumor energy glycolytic (Warburg effect), or on membrane lipid tumor metabolism. Conclusion: Our study shows potential implementation of machine learning decision tree model algorithms based on a hierarchical, convenient, and personalized use of perfusion and spectroscopy MRI data for multiclass classification of these brain tumors.

Arterial stiffness and biological parameters: A decision tree machine learning application in hypertensive participants.

Arterial stiffness, measured by arterial stiffness index (ASI), could be considered a main denominator in target organ damage among hypertensive subjects. Currently, no reported ASI normal references have been reported. The index of arterial stiffness is evaluated by calculation of a stiffness index. Predicted ASI can be estimated regardless to age, sex, mean blood pressure, and heart rate, to compose an individual stiffness index [(measured ASI-predicted ASI)/predicted ASI]. A stiffness index greater than zero defines arterial stiffness. Thus, the purpose of this study was 1) to determine determinants of stiffness index 2) to perform threshold values to discriminate stiffness index and then 3) to determine hierarchical associations of the determinants by performing a decision tree model among hypertensive participants without CV diseases. A study was conducted from 53,363 healthy participants in the UK Biobank survey to determine predicted ASI. Stiffness index was applied on 49,452 hypertensives without CV diseases to discriminate determinants of positive stiffness index (N = 22,453) from negative index (N = 26,999). The input variables for the models were clinical and biological parameters. The independent classifiers were ranked from the most sensitives: HDL cholesterol≤1.425 mmol/L, smoking pack years≥9.2pack-years, Phosphate≥1.172 mmol/L, to the most specifics: Cystatin c≤0.901 mg/L, Triglycerides≥1.487 mmol/L, Urate≥291.9 µmol/L, ALT≥22.13 U/L, AST≤32.5 U/L, Albumin≤45.92 g/L, Testosterone≥5.181 nmol/L. A decision tree model was performed to determine rules to highlight the different hierarchization and interactions between these classifiers with a higher performance than multiple logistic regression (p<0.001). The stiffness index could be an integrator of CV risk factors and participate in future CV risk management evaluations for preventive strategies. Decision trees can provide accurate and useful classification for clinicians.

Association between socio-economic status and estimated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk: results from a middle-aged population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: The association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and socio-economic status (SES) remains poorly studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between SES and estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk among the general UK Biobank population. STUDY DESIGN: This was a population-based study. METHODS: Among 311,928 volunteers (47.7% men) of the UK Biobank population, SES was assessed by a questionnaire, and ASCVD risk was calculated using pooled cohort equation models. Associations between SES and ASCVD risk were estimated using multiple gender-specific regressions. RESULTS: The findings from this study showed that men had higher estimated 10-year ASCVD risk than women (8.6% vs 2.7%; P < 0.001), higher education level (38.3% vs 36.2%; P < 0.001), higher income level (31.0% vs 25.1%; P < 0.001), higher levels of employment (65.4% vs 60.5%; P < 0.001) and higher scores of Townsend deprivation (P < 0.001). Using the multiple logistic regression model, a decreased 10-year ASCVD risk in men was associated with high income level (odds ratio [OR] = 0.64 [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.61-0.68]; P < 0.001), high educational level (OR = 0.71 [95% CI 0.68-0.74]; P < 0.001), higher Townsend deprivation quintile (OR = 0.81 [95% CI 0.78-0.85]; P < 0.001) and employed status (OR = 0.74 [95% CI 0.69-0.80]; P < 0.001). The same results were observed in women, with high income level (OR = 0.68 [95% CI 0.55-0.68]; P < 0.001), high educational level (OR = 0.87 [95% CI 0.82-0.93]; P < 0.001), higher Townsend deprivation quintile (OR = 0.74 [95% CI 0.69-0.80]; P < 0.001) and employed status (OR = 0.53 [95% CI 0.45-0.63]; P < 0.001) being associated with a lower 10-year ASCVD risk. When considering the false discovery rate logworth analysis, SES factors presented a similar contribution to CVD risk as lifestyle factors. CONCLUSIONS: Health policies should consider the SES factors identified in this study, in addition to traditional risk factors, when designing prevention campaigns for CVD. Further research is required to improve the ASCVD risk prediction models among different SES variables.

Assessment of Exoskeletons on Nurses' Quality of Work Life: A Pilot Study at Foch Hospital.

BACKGROUND: The prevention of occupational risks is part of the quality of work life and it is a component that improves the physical work environment. The purpose of the present study was to investigate how to maintain posture and to reduce pain and fatigue for nurses, with an exoskeleton adapted to the work at hospital. METHODS: The exoskeleton was used between 2022 to 2023 at Foch Hospital, France. Phase 1 consisted of the selection of the exoskeleton, and Phase 2 included the testing of the device by the nurses and a questionnaire to assess it. RESULTS: The "active" ATLAS model from JAPET, ensuring lumbar protection, was selected because it corresponds to all the specification criteria to tackle the nurses' unmet need. Among the 14 healthcare professionals, 86% were women; the age of the nurses was between 23 years old and 58 years old. The global median satisfaction score of the nurses relative to the use of the exoskeleton was 6/10. The median impact of the exoskeleton on nurses' fatigue was 7/10. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the exoskeleton received global positive qualitative feedback from the nurses concerning the improvement of posture and the reduction in fatigue and pain.

Comprehensive assessment of postoperative mobility during the first days after mini-invasive lung surgery: A prospective observational study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Postoperative physical therapy and early mobilization are major elements for enhanced recovery after surgery. In contrast with supervised physical therapy sessions that can be monitored, self-mobilization is not easily quantifiable and has so far been estimated mainly through patient auto-reports. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive and objective evaluation of postoperative mobility. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Postoperative setting. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing mini-invasive lung surgery. INTERVENTIONS: Measurement of postoperative mobility during the first five postoperative days using an accelerometer (ActiGraph GT3X). MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the number of daily steps. Secondary outcomes included physical activity duration and intensity, sedentary time, number of breaks in sedentary time, sedentary patterns, daily evaluation by physiotherapists, postoperative complications, and acceptability of wearing the accelerometer. MAIN RESULTS: Sixty patients were included in the study, of whom 56 provided at least one day of valid accelerometry data. There was no significant change during the first four PODs concerning the number of daily steps nor the mean cadence. One-minute cadence peak, total activity counts, and duration of light-intensity physical activity increased over time (p = 0.032, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Sedentary patterns changed favorably over time, with a decrease in prolonged sedentary bouts (≥ 60 consecutive min) (p < 0.001), and an increase in shorter bouts (< 10 min) (p = 0.001). Similar results were observed when analysis was adjusted for the day of the week when the surgery took place. The median acceptability of wearing the accelerometer was excellent (median 10 [9-10] on a 10-point Likert scale). Three patients had major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that daily steps may not be the only relevant indicator of early mobility following thoracic surgery and that accelerometry is suitable to follow patients' early postoperative activity.

Ultrasound assessment of the gastric content among diabetic and non-diabetic patients before elective surgery: a prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Although diabetic gastroparesis could be responsible for delayed gastric emptying, there is conflicting evidence about the volume of gastric content in diabetic patients after preoperative fasting. We hypothesized that diabetic patients had an increased gastric content before anesthesia induction despite the following of fasting recommendations. We used ultrasound assessment of gastric content to evaluate this risk. METHODS: This multicenter prospective single-blinded case-control study was conducted in three teaching University hospital in France. Our primary outcome was the comparison of increased gastric content between the two groups and was defined either by a Perlas grade 2 antrum or an antral cross-sectional area (CSA)>340 mm2. Each diabetic patient was paired with three non-diabetic control patients. Forty-two diabetic and 126 control patients were included in the study. RESULTS: Eighteen (42.9%) diabetic patients reached the primary outcome versus 28 (22.2%) in the control group (P=0.009). Diabetic patients presented less frequently with an empty stomach. Indeed, ten (23.8%) diabetic patients had a grade 0 antrum versus 71 (56.3%) in the control group (P<0.001). Twenty-four (70.6%) diabetic patients had an antral CSA<340 mm2 versus 98 (86%) in the control group (P=0.039). Overall, diabetic patients and increased gastric content were associated with an Odds Ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-5.52, P=0.009. CONCLUSIONS: Our study documents that gastric content is increased among diabetic patients compared to control patients despite following appropriate fasting guidelines.

Treatment and adherence to antihypertensive therapy in France: the roles of socioeconomic factors and primary care medicine in the ESTEBAN survey.

Antihypertensive drugs remain one of the main beneficial strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention. The objective of our study was to investigate the associations of different clinical and socioeconomic (SES) factors, and the use of primary care medicine with treatment and adherence (proportion of days covered (PDC) by treatment) to hypertension management in French participants aware of their hypertension. Cross-sectional analyses of treatment for hypertension and adherence to treatment were performed using data from 396 participants from the ESTEBAN survey, a representative sample of the French population. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate associations between SES factors (age, sex, education, income, civil status), clinical factors, health care (general practitioner (GP) visits, cardiologist visits, number of consultations, home blood pressure measurement (HBPM)), treatment and adherence. A total of 265 of the 396 hypertensive patients were treated. Antihypertensive drug use was more common among elderly individuals (OR: 2.73 [1.14; 4.32), diabetic patients (OR: 4.18 [1.92; 6.44] and overweight hypertensive patients (OR = 3.04 [1.09; 4.99]). GP consultations and HBPM were associated with increased treatment (OR: 1.03 [1.01; 1.05]; OR: 1.97 [1.06; 2.61], respectively). The PDC was higher among men (p = 0.045) and couples living together (p = 0.018) but lower among diabetic patients (p = 0.012) and patients visiting a cardiologist (p = 0.008). Education and income levels were not associated with either treatment or the PDC. In France, SES factors seemed to have little impact on treatment and adherence to antihypertensive drug regimens. However, treatment administered by GPs and HBPM may play key roles in hypertension management. Although the PDC was quite low, both the number of GP consultations and HBPM were positively associated with pharmacological treatment.

Prevalence and management of hypercholesterolemia in France, the Esteban observational study.

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, its management in everyday clinical practice is often suboptimal. The aims of the Esteban study were to estimate the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and to describe its management in France in 2015.Esteban is a cross-sectional, publicly funded survey, representative of the French population. Data were collected using questionnaires and biological and clinical examinations in 3021 adults aged 18-74.The lipid-lowering treatments were obtained by matching the individual data of the subjects included in the Esteban survey with data from the Système national de données de santé. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as either a low density lipoprotein cholesterol value higher than the goal set in the European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society guidelines as a function of individual cardiovascular risk level, or at least 1 delivery of lipid-lowering treatment. Adherence was defined by the proportion of days covered by the lipid-lowering treatment in the 6 months preceding clinical examination. Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in France was 23.3% (27.8% in men, 19.0% in women). Mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol was 3.38 mmol/l in French participants. Among them, 7.2% were treated (8.5% of men, 5.8% of women), while 16.1% of adults went untreated (19.3% of men, 13.2% of women). Only 29.7% of secondary prevention adults had a delivery of lipid-lowering treatments in the 6 months preceding clinical examination. Fewer than 1 in 3 treated adults were adherent, i.e. more than 80% of days covered by a treatment. This proportion reached 37.4% in the high-risk group, with no significant difference of adherence in people with or without a personal history of cardiovascular disease in this group.This study showed that hypercholesterolemia is a common metabolic disease in France, affecting 23.3% of the population. Lipid-lowering prescriptions diverged greatly from current recommendations, with less than a third of eligible patients being treated.

Application of a decision tree to establish factors associated with a nomogram of aortic stiffness.

Aortic stiffness is a marker of vascular aging and may reflect occurrence of cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV), a marker of aortic stiffness, can be measured by applanation tonometry. A nomogram of aortic stiffness was evaluated by the calculation of PWV index. Theoretical PWV can be calculated according to age, gender, mean blood pressure, and heart rate, allowing to form an individual PWV index [(measured PWV - theoretical PWV)/theoretical PWV]. The purpose of the present cross-sectional study was to investigate the determinants of the PWV index, by applying a decision tree. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2012 to 2017, and 597 individuals were included. A training decision tree was constructed based on seventy percent of these subjects (N = 428). The remaining 30% (N = 169) were used as the testing dataset to evaluate the performance of the decision trees. The input variables for the models were clinical and biochemical parameters. The different input variables remained in the model were diabetes, tobacco status, carotid plaque, albuminuria, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, BMI, and previous CV diseases. For the validation decision model, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values for identifying the related risk factors of PWV index were 70%, 78%, and 0.73. Since determinants of PWV index were all well-accepted CV risk factors, a nomogram of aortic stiffness could be considered as an integrator of CV risk factors on their duration of exposure and could be utilized to develop future programs for CV risk assessment and reduction strategies.

[Epidemiology of hypertension: Differences between women and men]. / Épidémiologie de l'HTA : différences femme/homme.

PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION LESS FREQUENT IN WOMEN BEFORE MENOPAUSE: In adults, up to the age of 50-60, hypertension is an uncommon disease, less frequent in women than in men. The literature review does not determine whether this difference is related to a protective effect of endogenous estrogens on the risk of high blood pressure, to genetic or immuno-enzymatic differences related to sex but of non-hormonal origin or to a large number of confounding variables (salt consumption, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, body mass index, psycho-socio-economic factors, sedentary lifestyle). PREVALENCE OF HYPERTENSION INCREASES AT MENOPAUSE: After menopause, the risk of hypertension in women increases and quickly reaches that of men, even exceeding it from the seventh decade onwards. The factors that make hypertension more frequent after the seventh decade in women are related to differences in cardiovascular risk and life expectancy between men and women, as well as a likely surviving effect in older men. The mechanisms by which estrogen-progestin deficiency increases the risk of hypertension have been extensively studied. These mechanisms are obviously numerous. However, it has not been clearly demonstrated that hormone replacement therapy during menopause reduces blood pressure levels. It should be noted that the route of administration, the choice of molecules, the respect of the intervention window and the dosage seem to modulate the potential vascular effects.

Added Value of Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity Index in a Predictive Diagnosis Decision Tree of Coronary Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is among the main causes of death in the world. Individual study of cardiovascular risk is an important way to predict CHD risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the added role of the aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) index in the prediction of CHD risk. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2012 to September 2017; 530 patients were included: 99 CHD, 338 non-CHD patients, and 93 nonhypertensives, nondiabetics and non-CHD subjects, whose theoretical PWV were calculated. Theoretical PWV was calculated according to age, blood pressure, gender, and heart rate. The results were expressed as an index ((measured PWV - theoretical PWV)/theoretical PWV) for each patient. The differences observed, the differential diagnostic performance, and the quantification of the added value of diagnostic performance of PWV index were tested using logistic regression, comparisons between receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision tree nonlinear methodology. RESULTS: PWV index (P = 0.006), carotid plaque (P = 0.005), and dyslipidemia (P = 0.04) were the independent modulators of CHD diagnosis. PWV index appears to be the highest specific classifier (81%) compared to carotid plaque (75%) and dyslipidemia (78%). For the decision tree, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve for CHD diagnosis were 62%, 83%, and 0.87, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PWV index yielded added value to CHD by assessment of combined classifiers with clinical determinants and decision tree construction and significantly increased the specificity of the differential diagnostic performances of the common risk factors of CHD in daily clinical practice.

[Hypertension management in France: where are we now?] / Prise en charge de l'HTA en France : où en est-on ?

Hypertension management in france: where are we now? Hypertension remains the most common chronic disease in France. Its management, which has demonstrated its effectiveness on the occurrence of cardiovascular, renal and cognitive complications, is therefore of major interest for public health. Nevertheless, the results of the Esteban study conducted in 2015 show that the management of hypertension in France has not improved significantly since 2006, date of the last study conducted on a representative sample of the French population. In 2015, one in three adults was hypertensive in France. If the level of screening of hypertension remained high in France with more than 80% of adults who reported having had a blood pressure measurement in the year, about one in two hypertensives was not aware of its hypertension. Fewer than one in two hypertensives were pharmacologically treated and only one in two adults had a controlled blood pressure, less than 25% of all hypertensives. The situation has even deteriorated in women with a significant decrease in the use of pharmacological treatments. Adherence to antihypertensive therapy remained very low with only 64% of the days of the year covered by treatment. More than 40% of hypertensive patients had, in 2015, a home blood pressure monitor. The situation in France, particularly the level of awareness of hypertension among patients, remains below the levels observed in other european countries. There is an urgent need for effective action on this first step to significantly improve the management of hypertension in France. Finally, it seems necessary to understand the reasons for the significant decline in the proportion of women treated pharmacologically to avoid a potential loss of chance harmful to the health of these women.

Prise en charge de l'hypertension artérielle en france : où en est-on ? L'hypertension artérielle reste la maladie chronique la plus fréquente en France. Sa prise en charge, qui a démontré son efficacité sur la survenue des complications cardiovasculaires, rénales et cognitives, revêt donc un intérêt majeur pour la santé publique. Néanmoins, les résultats de l'étude Esteban conduite en 2015 montrent que la prise en charge de l'hypertension en France n'a connu aucune amélioration significative depuis 2006, date de la dernière étude conduite sur un échantillon représentatif de la population française. En 2015, un adulte sur trois était hypertendu en France. Si la fréquence du dépistage se maintenait à un niveau élevé en France avec plus de 80 % des adultes qui déclaraient avoir eu une mesure de la pression artérielle dans l'année, environ un hypertendu sur deux n'avait pas connaissance de son hypertension. Moins d'un hypertendu sur deux était traité pharmacologiquement et seulement un adulte traité sur deux avait une pression artérielle contrôlée, soit moins de 25 % de l'ensemble des hypertendus. La situation s'est surtout dégradée chez les femmes, avec une diminution importante du recours aux traitements pharmacologiques. L'observance des traitements antihypertenseurs était très faible, avec seulement 64 % des jours de l'année couverts par un traitement. Plus de 40 % des hypertendus avaient, en 2015, un appareil d'automesure tensionnelle. En France notamment, le niveau de connaissance de l'hypertension artérielle par les malades reste très inférieur aux niveaux observés dans les autres pays européens. Il semble aujourd'hui urgent d'agir efficacement sur cette première étape pour améliorer significativement la prise en charge de l'hypertension artérielle dans l'Hexagone. Enfin, il apparaît nécessaire de comprendre rapidement les raisons de la baisse importante de la proportion de femmes traitées pharmacologiquement pour éviter une potentielle perte de chance préjudiciable pour leur santé.

[Proportionate universalism: Towards "real equality" of prevention in France]. / Universalisme proportionné : vers une « égalité réelle ¼ de la prévention en France.

Although their design may feature a considerable amount of universalism, prevention strategies often produce results that are socially and/or spatially differentiated. This differentiation process can induce social or territorial gradients of access to and/or effectiveness of prevention and, in turn, worsen health inequalities. This process also accentuates the gap between the principles of certain public policies and their practical implementation, raising the question of the real benefit of these policies for beneficiaries. Although Sir Marmot considers proportionate universalism to be a strategy to tackle health inequalities, the practical modalities of implementation of this principle have been rarely described in the literature until very recently. This pragmatic paper therefore presents a causal analysis of differentiation processes, underlines the need for self-reflexive prevention strategies, and investigates practical implications of proportionate universalism.

Experience for caregivers of dependent elderly persons with dementia.

Dependent elderly people with dementia require constant attention and significant care most of which are provided by family caregivers. The aim of our study is to highlight the feelings of caregivers of elderly with dementia and dependent. This qualitative study based on grounded theory method with semi-structured interviews with caregivers of dependent elderly. A comparative analysis of interviews to interview was conducted to identify themes, from the codes compared on a semantic level. 39 caregivers were interviewed until data saturation. The average age of caregivers was 61 years and 7 months IC (55 years 8 months 63 years and 4 months), consisting of 28 women and 11 men. Data analysis revealed six main themes: family duty, social isolation, an acceptance of the illness, stress and depression, physical morbidity and financial costs. The acceptance of the illness of his loved one is an indispensable element in the construction process of the caregiver close relationship dependent. But the balance between personal life and caregiving is not easy, caregivers have reported effects on their health since they occupy that role. Caregivers seem less watching their health and ignore some signs of disease. Caring for a family member with an illness such as dementia is extremely difficult, and many caregivers experience negative experiences such as stress or depression worse.

Is "mobile mammography" a Relevant Method in France? / Le « Mammobile ¼ : une méthode pertinente en France ?

Organized breast cancer screening has become available throughout France since 2004. According to the French National Cancer Institute, more than 22 million mammograms have been performed during the first ten years of the screening programme, or about 2.45 million mammographies each year. In 2012, the organized screening participation rate was 52.7%, well below the European target of 70%. Solutions must be found to increase this rate to recommended target levels. Three French departments have developed mobile mammography screening programmes, but their participation rates are not higher than the national average and they are associated with a number of obstacles, notably financial and technical. The number of subjects lost to follow-up is 11.4% with mobile screening versus only 2.7% for fixed sites. It is therefore essential to study the many obstacles, including financial and organizational, before setting up this type of mobile mammography programme.