NHS breast screening services have procured a lot of new mammography equipment over the past 2 years to replace older machinery. This has resulted in a demand for training in using digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).
The training requirements for staff reporting DBT images within the NHS breast screening programme (BSP) have been revised.
It is no longer a mandatory requirement for staff using this modality to attend an NHS BSP training course in tomosynthesis at one of the national training centres. This is in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic during which there has been a reduction in face to face study days. However, some staff may still be able to attend a course if current COVID-19 restrictions allow.
Staff interpreting DBT
Before breast radiologists, breast clinicians, advanced and consultant practitioners undertake clinical use and reporting of images, there is a mandatory requirement to complete modules on:
- digital breast tomosynthesis (physics and technique)
- interpretation of digital breast tomosynthesis
Image review of a minimum of 60 cases (preferably a mixture of images provided by all current DBT manufacturers) is crucial to learning DBT technique and an important element of training. There is a template for reporting images and sharing with the experienced second reader. This may be helpful for reflective practice and provides evidence of performance at appraisal.
Staff performing DBT
The training requirements for staff taking DBT images has not changed. Mammographers should complete equipment-specific training provided by the manufacturer.
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