Impact and challenges of consultancy role regarding the delivery of breast Imaging services in the United Kingdom: consultant breast radiographers’ perspective

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the common and leading cause of death in women worldwide. Imaging and radiographers play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. With the increase in demand and shortage of radiologists in the UK, consultant breast radiographers were introduced to perform some roles previously performed by radiologists. However, there is scarcity of research to assist other countries, such as Zambia who are planning to extend the role of a radiographer.
 OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact and challenges of consultancy role regarding the delivery of breast imaging services in the United Kingdom.
 MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was guided by a qualitative research design. The sample was purposively selected, and a semi-structured interview was used to collect data from consultant breast radiographers in the UK. Data saturation reached after interviewing eight participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and data analysed thematically.
 RESULTS: Two themes were identified: impact and challenges of consultancy role regarding the delivery of imaging breast services. The creation of consultant posts impacted positively on the service delivery: reduction in patient waiting times, career progression and job satisfaction, and reduction in the workload of radiologists. Participants also faced challenges: increased workload and time pressure, isolation and poor support from colleagues and animosity from few radiologists.
 CONCLUSION: It is evident that consultant breast radiographers have contributed greatly to improved healthcare delivery. However, they encounter challenges in their role as consultants. Radiographers undertaking new roles should be supported to improve the delivery of imaging services. 

Image Interpretation and Reporting by Radiographers in Africa: Findings from the Literature Review and their Application to Zambia

“…For example, in a study conducted by 18 Kekana and others, most (88.4%) radiologists opposed the idea of having reporting radiographers in South Africa. Our finding is consistent with 26,32 studies conducted outside Africa.…”

“…Our findings are 25,26,29 consistent with the UK studies. Other benefits identified in our review include reduction of patient waiting times, better career opportunities and increased job satisfaction, prompt service delivery, optimum utilisation of the radiographers' skills and knowledge, and overall improved service delivery.…”

“…Other benefits identified in our review include reduction of patient waiting times, better career opportunities and increased job satisfaction, prompt service delivery, optimum utilisation of the radiographers' skills and knowledge, and overall improved service delivery. These benefits have also been reported in studies 26,29 conducted in the UK. The benefits outlined in the literature that would accrue by the establishment of reporting radiographers are also true for Zambia.…”

Medicina en la era digital: alcances y perspectivas

“…La pandemia de COVID-19 ha tensionado aún más los sistemas de salud a nivel mundial, llevando a una escasez de trabajadores de la salud, incluidos los radiólogos (Poon et al, 2022;Seah et al, 2021;Herstein et al, 2023;Weidman, 2022). La teleradiología ha sido identificada como una solución potencial para abordar la escasez de personal, ofreciendo beneficios como eficiencia en tiempo y costo, cobertura fuera de horario y mejora en la calidad del cuidado del paciente (Randolph et al, 2022;Nachalwe & Bwanga, 2021). Sin embargo, la falta de radiólogos calificados en muchos entornos ha sido reportada como un impedimento para la eficacia de los programas de detección, destacando la necesidad crítica de una fuerza laboral de radiología suficiente (Cao et al, 2021;Almaslukh, 2021).…”

“…La escasez de radiólogos ha llevado a los sistemas de salud a explorar modelos de personal alternativos, como el papel extendido de los radiógrafos y el ultrasonido de punto de atención no radiológico, para abordar la creciente demanda de servicios de imágenes (Wassenaer et al, 2021;Nachalwe & Bwanga, 2021). Además, la escasez de médicos y enferme-ras en regiones específicas ha sido identificada como un problema crítico, enfatizando aún más la necesidad de una planificación estratégica de la fuerza laboral para asegurar niveles de personal adecuados en todas las especialidades de atención médica, incluida la radiología (Hu et al, 2020).…”