IntroductionIn response to the critical need for enhancing breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts, this study explored the understanding of challenges and requirements for implementing supplementary breast cancer screening for such women among clinical radiographers and radiologists in Europe.MethodFourteen (14) semi-structured online interviews were conducted with European clinical radiologists (n = 5) and radiographers (n = 9) specializing in breast cancer screening from 8 different countries: Denmark, Finland, Greece, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom. The interview schedule comprised questions regarding professional background and demographics and 13 key questions divided into six subgroups, namely Supplementary Imaging, Training, Resources and Guidelines, Challenges, Implementing supplementary screening and Women's Perspective. Data analysis followed the six phases of reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsSix significant themes emerged from the data analysis: Understanding and experiences of supplementary imaging for women with dense breasts; Challenges and requirements related to training among clinical radiographers and radiologists; Awareness among radiographers and radiologists of guidelines on imaging women with dense breasts; Challenges to implement supplementary screening; Predictors of Implementing Supplementary screening; Views of radiologists and radiographers on women's perception towards supplementary screening.ConclusionThe interviews with radiographers and radiologists provided valuable insights into the challenges and potential strategies for implementing supplementary breast cancer screening. These challenges included patient and staff related challenges. Implementing multifaceted solutions such as Artificial Intelligence integration, specialized training and resource investment can address these challenges and promote the successful implementation of supplementary screening. Further research and collaboration are needed to refine and implement these strategies effectively.Implications for practiceThis study highlights the urgent need for specialized training programs and dedicated resources to enhance supplementary breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts in Europe. These resources include advanced imaging technologies, such as MRI or ultrasound, and specialized software for image analysis. Moreover, further research is imperative to refine screening protocols and evaluate their efficacy and cost-effectiveness, based on the findings of this study.
INTRODUCTION:Acceptance of new technologies in health care, by those who use them as part of their role, is challenging with confounding contextual factors surrounding the acceptance of technology. As healthcare is rapidly digitising, stakeholder groups should be included in each stage of evaluation and implementation to allow opportunities to influence and contribute to digital health policies. This research employed a case study methodology to initiate an exploration into the factors associated with implementing a digital application into a mammography service. It examined the initial implementation and subsequent impact of the rollout of a digital application (VA) within a breast service in South Australia. METHODS:Stakeholders' opinions on team performance and feedback mechanisms of the digital application were evaluated through a staff questionnaire distributed through an online survey JISC. RESULTS:The incorporation of digitised technology into a service is evidently met with challenges. Although there is potential value in utelising automated feedback for workflow improvement and patient services, it appears imperative to provide targeted and developmental resources for educational development and staff well-being during the implementation phase. CONCLUSION:This case study approach delves into key discussion areas and serves as the initial insight into the implementation of a digital application. It could be regarded as a foundational reference for future evaluations of digital applications. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:Research around digital fluency within the radiography profession requires further consideration. Under-utilisation or resistance may result in missed opportunities to enhance patient experiences and care outcomes and support staff wellbeing. Therefore, continued engagement and the encouragement of user feedback during the implementation phase are crucial to demonstrate future acceptance of digital applications in clinical settings.
Objectives This article explores the significance of recognising and utilising entrepreneurial attributes—such as knowledge, skills, talent, and experience—to develop radiography education guided by a LUCID framework. It aims to demonstrate how enterprising behaviours and competencies can enhance human actions and address healthcare challenges, thereby improving employability in line with the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework and industry demands. Key findings The article defines the concepts of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship and discusses the importance of understanding one's accumulated skills and experiences, known as Human Capital, for personal and professional growth. It illustrates how entrepreneurial thinking and utilisation of the LUCID framework facilitated the development of an imaging facility, which reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence in radiography education. Conclusion The article concludes that adopting entrepreneurial practices and reflecting on one's human capital can significantly benefit radiographers and educators. This approach not only enhances personal and professional development but also adds value to the profession, employers, and patients. Implications for practice Radiographers and educators are encouraged to adopt entrepreneurial practices and reflect on their human capital to identify areas for improvement. This can lead to better healthcare outcomes, improved employability, and alignment with industry demands and the College of Radiographers Education and Career Framework.
Introduction: Pain and discomfort has a negative impact on a patient's overall experience and may impact on subsequent re-attendance to mammography. Pain during mammography remains a significant issue. Assessment of interventions to reduce levels of pain associated with mammography are essential to increase attendance to breast services and improve user experience.Methods: Participants (n = 60) were invited to take part in the study at one hospital Trust within the UK. Postal invitations were sent 2 weeks prior to appointment to patients older than 40 years with previous mammography attendance at the same Trust to allow for comparison of previous and current pain scores/compression values. Patients were randomised into 3 groups: Binaural music (BM), non-binaural music (NBM) and standard care (C). A numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to rate pain.Results: Patient tolerance is increased by the application of both the non-binaural and binaural music. Binaural music was most effective in improving patient tolerance (p = 0.02). When applied compression increased some patients recorded less pain, which may have implications to image quality and radiation dose for patients. Binaural music reduces the perception of mammographic pain within this data set.Conclusion: 5 min exposure to binaural music improves patient experience and tolerance for mammography which could be utilised to improve attendance rates in screening and symptomatic services. Implications for practice: There is an indication for further research looking at application prior and during interventional biopsies. Music intervention can be offered to patients in the severe pain category who refuse mammography. It is acknowledged from these findings that the introduction of BM and NBM prior to mammography would be a low risk, cost effective intervention within the hospital setting.(c) 2022 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Skin tears are classed as traumatic wounds mainly caused by shearing and frictional forces. Incidences of skin tears are noted to be significant mostly in the elderly population and those with fragile and vulnerable skin. Individuals undergoing mammography are susceptible to skin tears due to factors associated with skin breakdown such as thinning of the epidermis, use of steroids, presence of moisture, but this, when compounded with the procedure of mammography can increase the risk further. Mammography, an x-ray imaging method, which exerts adequate compression force on the breast tissue for the mammographer to obtain a high-quality image for diagnostic purposes. However, when compression force is applied during mammography resulting incidences of cutaneous skin tears can occur. Lack of and under reporting of skin tears during mammography makes it difficult to ascertain the extent of this problem and scale of its incidence. Therefore, the purpose of this narrative review is to focus on providing an overview of skin tears associated with mammography and a discussion of the current literature with regards to its incidence and diagnosis. In addition, the review will also discuss the theoretical and contextual perspective of the prevention and management strategies associated with skin tears.
Purpose: To systematically review studies on the effectiveness of supplementary imaging for breast cancer screening in women with dense breasts. Materials and methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed publications in English (January 2000 to March 2021) was carried out. Eight databases were used to retrieve the studies: MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Clinical Answers, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, PubMed, and Web of Science. Two radiographers and an academic independently reviewed the articles to determine if the studies met inclusion criteria. Study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. Summary estimates of diagnostic accuracy were obtained by using proportion and diagnostic metanalysis. Results: From 3764 studies that underwent title and abstract screening, 221 studies underwent full-text screening. Of these 42 were included in the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. Results for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, cancer detection rates, recall and biopsy rates in women with dense breasts undergoing supplementary imaging were reported. Studies included in this review were heterogeneous, as was the proportion of women undergoing prevalence and incidence screening rounds. Conclusions: Supplementary screening among women with dense breasts who had recent negative mammograms can consistently identify additional cancers and lead to further recalls and biopsies.
Introduction Increasing prevalence in breast cancers, workforce shortages and technological advancements have increased the need to further develop advanced practice in breast diagnosis. The Advanced Clinical Practitioner training programme has been introduced to support this need. The aim of this work was to systematically review studies that explore advanced practice in mammography to assess the potential impact of the introduction of a specific Advanced Clinical Practitioner training programme in breast diagnosis within the UK. Methods A systematic PRISMA review of the literature published between 1999 and January 2020 was carried out. A total of 17 studies were included in the review. Results Four themes were identified in the literature in relation to advanced practice in breast imaging: multidisciplinary practice; roles and responsibilities associated with advanced practice; development and progression; embedding and sustaining advanced practice. It was evident across all themes that advanced practice is vital in supporting better care for patients attending breast imaging in light of workforce shortages. Although advanced practice and its benefits are well established in breast imaging, persistent barriers were acknowledged such as role ambiguity, recruitment issues, lack of support from some radiologists and poor funding. Conclusion Findings suggest that introducing a more formalised pathway to advanced practice into breast imaging through the implementation of a specific Advanced Clinical Practitioner apprenticeship training programme may overcome many of the challenges evidenced in this review. Implications for practice The findings of this review will help inform the development of the Advanced Clinical Practitioner apprenticeship programme specific to breast diagnosis.
Introduction: To measure mammography-related pain in two groups of women undergoing regular surveillance as a baseline for future care. Methods: Following ethical approval, two hundred and forty two women aged 32-84 years (mean 54), were invited by written invitation to participate in the study. Two hundred women accepted the invitation, 100 women had a family history (FH) of breast cancer, 100 had undergone conservative surgery (FU) for breast cancer and were currently asymptomatic. A validated pain scale was used to score the participants' perceived pain before compression based on memory, immediately after compression and one week later. A series of baseline parameters were also captured including compression force, breast size/density, menstrual history and any adverse events following mammography to allow the investigation of relationships. Results: There was a strong correlation (r = 0.79, p < 0.001) between previous pain scores and current pain scores, no significant correlations were found between breast size, breast density or total compression force and pain. Pain scores reduced between previous and current examinations and there was consistency in overall pain scores, despite variations in the compression forces applied. Conclusion: Physical side effects from mammography can develop and extend beyond the examination period. Patients' prior experience of pain was the only significant predictor of current pain in this study. Implications for practice: Data on past mammography experiences are essential to improve future pain outcomes. Post-mammography aftercare should be a routine feature of the examination. (C) 2019 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
INTRODUCTION:Student radiographers have expressed difficulty in performing image appraisal tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of a workshop delivered to level 4 undergraduate students. All students completed an image appraisal activity, inputting their appraisal into software that displayed their response alongside an expert opinion. They were asked to identify and discuss any discrepancy.METHODS:All Level 4 students participated in an image appraisal workshop and were subsequently invited to take part in a focus group immediately after the activity. Twenty-three students took part in three focus groups (n = 7; n = 8; n = 8). A thematic analysis of transcripts was performed alongside validation from observations during the image appraisal activity.RESULTS:Findings demonstrate that despite teaching and resources being available, students had focused on learning a generic checklist for image appraisal, had not appreciated the application of projection specific criteria and felt underprepared. The use of specific criteria and repetition within the task was considered useful. They identified learning needs and misconceptions through peer discussion and via the expert opinion, highlighting the value of feedback. Students enjoyed the workshop and made suggestions for implementation into the curriculum.CONCLUSION:Educators must not assume that the provision of resources will result in students developing deep knowledge. Teaching and learning strategies that are task specific are recommended to avoid a surface approach to learning. Time, repetition and appropriate feedback are essential to enable learners to develop competence and confidence for complex visual tasks, such as image appraisal.
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Poster: ECR 2018 / C-1048 / A comparison of single and combined observer data for the detection of masses and microcalcifications in images containing different magnitudes of simulated blurring by: A. K. Abdullah1, J. D. Thompson1, C. E. Mercer1, J. F. Kelly2, R. Aspin1, P. Hogg 1; 1Manchester/UK, 2Chester/UK