Characterization of radiographers’ mammography practice in five European countries: a pilot study

Insights into Imaging

Eija Metsälä¹  Cláudia Sà dos Reis²  Anja Henner³  José A. Pires Jorge⁴  Nicole Richli Meystre⁴  Tiina Kukkes⁵  Bergliot Strøm⁶ 

[1] Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences;Lisbon School of Health Technology, Curtin University, Medical Radiation Sciences;Oulu University of Applied Sciences;School of Health Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Lausanne, Western Switzerland;Tartu Health Care College;Western Norway University of Applied Sciences;

关键词: Mammography;    Radiographer;    Quality control;    Professional practice;    Challenges;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13244-019-0711-0

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Objectives This pilot study aimed to characterize and compare radiographers’ mammography practice, including quality control and continuous professional development in five European countries. Methods Online survey was performed to collect data regarding participants’ profile, institution’s profile, mammography practice, quality control and continuous professional development. The questionnaire was sent to clinical radiographers working in Estonia, Finland, Norway, Portugal and Switzerland. Descriptive statistical and subgroup analyzes were performed. Results The amount of returned questionnaires was 140. Most respondents were female (92%), having radiography bachelor. The majority (89%) of radiographers was working with full-field digital mammography. The majority (97%) of mammography images were acquired using AEC, and half of the radiographers were using dose saving programmes suggested by the manufacturers. The most typical (50%) compression force ranged from 8 to 11 kg. Part of the radiographers (44%) did not know if their practice followed specific guidelines. The most challenging tasks in mammography identified by radiographers were patient positioning (86%), coping with pain (88%), managing anxiety (83%) and imaging breast implants (71%). The majority (88%) of the respondents undertook continuous professional development activities. Conclusions The mammography practice varies across the five countries. We found country-specific traits related to mammography image acquisition, patient-centered care and quality management procedures. The lack of evidence-based knowledge suggests the importance of well-designed studies on these topics. The variability found in this pilot study encourages radiographers to question their own practice and teachers to review and revise the training programmes. Validation in larger studies including more countries is needed.

【 授权许可】

Unknown