An investigation into the willingness and ability of Australian radiographers to interpret screening mammograms

This thesis by publication (comprising 9 journal articles) presents a research project undertaken part-time from 2007 to 2014 which investigated the role of Australian radiographers working in BreastScreen. The focus of the research was to assess whether Australian radiographers would be interested in advance practice, particularly image interpretation of screening mammograms, and if so, if they were capable of attaining the same level of accuracy as radiologists? A systematic review was undertaken to explore mammogram assessment by radiographers. Data reported in this review provided evidence that radiographers are able to read at equivalent accuracy to radiologist readers. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to Australian radiographers working in BreastScreen centres, requesting information on their current duties and skills and aspirations for future career paths; in particular their interest in extending into advanced practice. The results of the questionnaire highlighted the fact that many radiographers were interested in image interpretation. The level of accuracy between radiologists and radiographers was assessed via a pilot and retrospective study between 2007 and 2009, followed by a prospective trial between 2010 and 2014 including the biennial follow-up. Australia has no formal mammogram interpretation courses available to radiographers at present; accordingly, a training package was developed to enhance radiographers’ knowledge in this area. This package was made available to the participating radiographers, with pre and post testing measures reported. The training package will be distributed to the wider radiography community, through the radiographer professional body, the Australian Institute of Radiography (AIR). This research has contributed to the discussion of advanced practice in Australia, within the radiography profession and at government levels. The survey questionnaires demonstrated the strengths and weaknesses that Australian radiographers perceive in advanced practice. The outcome of each of the three trial studies demonstrated performance measures by radiographers that were equivalent to those of radiologists; this highlighted the potential for radiographer screen reading to enhance the service we offer within BreastScreen Australia.