Training radiographers to deliver an intervention to promote early presentation of breast cancer

Interprofessional work in early detection of breast cancer: An integrative review

OBJECTIVES

To identify the roles of health care staff in interprofessional work related to breast cancer detection and diagnosis.

KEY FINDINGS

A comprehensive search was performed using PICO to support inclusion and exclusion criteria. A shortened version of the STROBE checklist ensured evaluation of the studies. 21 included studies resulted in three main categories describing the role of health care professionals; (1) Communicating breast cancer awareness; (2) The Professional's tasks; (3) Efficacy of Interprofessional Teamwork relative to the profession and the individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care professionals' roles in the breast cancer diagnostic process were described mostly from each professional's viewpoint. Support from leadership and management is needed in order to promote interprofessional work, which will benefit health care professions, professionals, and the patient.

European radiographers' challenges from mammography education and clinical practice - an integrative review

Objectives

This study aims to identify European radiographers’ challenges in clinical performance in mammography and the main areas of mammography that require more and better training.

Methods

An extensive search was performed to identify relevant studies focused on clinical practice, education and training in mammography published between January 2010 and December 2015 in the English language. The data were analysed by using deductive thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 27 full text articles were read, evaluating their quality. Sixteen articles out of 27 were finally selected for this integrative review. The main challenges of radiographers’ mammography education/training can be divided into three groups: training needs, challenges related to radiographers, and challenges related to the organization of education. The most common challenges of clinical performance in mammography among European radiographers involved technical performance, the quality of practices, and patient-centeredness.

Conclusions

The introduction of harmonized mammography guidelines across Europe may serve as an evidence-based tool to be implemented in practice and education. However, the variability in human and material resources as well as the different cultural contexts should be considered during this process.

Teaching Points

• Radiographers’ awareness of their professional identity and enhancing multiprofessional cooperation in mammography.

• Radiographers’ responsibilities regarding image quality (IQ) and optimal breast imaging performance.

• Patient-centred mammography services focusing on the psychosocial needs of the patient.

• Challenges: positioning, QC-testing, IQ-assessment, optimization of breast compression, communication, teamwork, and patient-centred care.

• Introduction of evidence-based guidelines in Europe to harmonize mammography practice and education.